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JOSIAH  WEDGWOOD,  F.R.S 


HIS  PEESOHAL  HISTORY 


BY 

SAMUEL  SMILES,  LL.D, 

AUTHOR  OP  “self-help”  “CHARACTER”  “THRIFT”  ETC. 


Never  hasting,  never  resting, 

With  a firm  and  joyous  heart. 
Ever  onward  slowly  tending. 
Acting,  aye,  a brave  man's  part. 

Undepressed  by  seeming  failure. 

Unelated  by  success^ 

Heights  attained,  revealing  higher, 
Onward,  upward,  ever  press. 


NEW  YORK 

HARPER  & BROTHERS  PUBLISHERS 
1895 


Copyright,  1894,  by  Harper  & Brothers. 

All  righla  reserved. 


CONTENTS 


CHAP.  PAGE 

I.  JOSIAH  WEDGWOOD— BIRTH  AND  EDUCA- 
TION   1 

II.  THE  WEDGWOOD  FAMILY  . ....  7 

III.  JOSIAH  WEDGWOOD  LEARNS  HIS  TRADE  . 21 

IV.  PARTNERSHIPS  WITH  HARRISON  AND  WHIEL- 

DON 33 

V.  WEDGWOOD  BEGINS  BUSINESS  FOR  HIMSELF  42 

VI.  IMPROVEMENT  OF  WARE— FRIENDSHIP  WITH 

BENTLEY 57 

VII.  WEDGWOOD’S  MARRIAGE 68 

VIII.  WEDGWOOD  APPOINTED  QUEEN’S  POTTER  , 76 

IX.  FOUNDING  OF  ETRURIA— PARTNERSHIP  WITH 

BENTLEY 89 

X.  ROADS  AND  CANALS  THROUGH  STAFFORD- 
SHIRE   96 

XI.  IMPROVEMENT  OF  MODELS — CHEMISTRY  . Ill 

XII.  AMPUTATION  OF  WEDGWOOD’S  RIGHT  LEG  . 125 

XIII.  WEDGWOOD’S  ARTISTIC  WORK  . . . . 137 

XIV.  PORTRAITS— MEDALLIONS — ARTISTIC  WORK  158 

XV.  GROW  AN  — KAOLIN  — BOTTGIIER  — COOK- 

WORTHY— MANUFACTURE  OF  PORCELAIN  179 

XVI.  WEDGWOOD’S  JOURNEY  INTO  CORNWALL  . 193 

XVII.  WEDGWOOD  AND  FI-AXMAN  210 


IV 


Contents 


CHAP.  PAGE 

XYIII.  WEDGWOOD  AT  WORK  AGAIN — DEATH  OP 

BENTLEY  247 

XIX.  WEDGWOOD’S  PYROMETER  OR  THERMOM- 
ETER   264 

XX.  THE  BARBERINI  OR  PORTLAND  VASE  . . 282 

XXI.  WEDGWOOD’S  PERSONAL  HISTORY — HIS 

sons’  education  297 

^ XXII.  CHARACTER  OF  WEDGWOOD 315 


JOSIAH  WEDGWOOD 


CHAPTER  I 

JOSIAH  WEDGWOOD — BIRTH  AND  EDUCATION 

JosiAH  Wedgwood  was  born  in  the  house 
adjoining  the  Churchyard  Works  at  Burslem, 
Staffordshire,  in  1730.  The  actual  date  of  his 
birth  is  not  known  ; but  his  baptism  is  recorded 
in  the  parish  register  of  St.  John’s,  Burslem, 
in  these  words  : Josiah,  son  of  Thomas  and 

Mary  Wedgwood,  baptized  12th  July,  1730.”  * 

Josiah’s  father  was  a potter,  like  his  fore- 
fathers before  him.  He  possessed  a small 
estate,  including  a pottery,  adjoining  the  Bur- 
slem  Churchyard.  His  mother’s  maiden  name 
was  Mary  Stringer,  the  daughter,  it  is  said,  of 
a nonconformist  minister.  She  was  a small  and 
delicately  organized  woman,  quick  and  sensible, 
and  kindly  in  her  disposition. 

Thomas  and  Mary  Wedgwood  had  thirteen 
children  in  all — seven  sons  and  six  daughters. 

* It  is  carved  on  liis  monument  at  Stoke-upon-Trent 
that  he  was  “born  in  August,  1730  but  this  must  be 
a mistake,  as  he  was  baptized  in  the  previous  month. 

1 


2 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


Josiali  was  tlie  youngest  of  the  family.  In 
that  respect  he  resembled  his  contemporaiy, 
Sir  Richard  Arkwright,  who  was  the  youngest 
of  thirteen  children. 

From  the  year  1710  to  1715  Burslem  was  the 
principal  seat  of  the  pottery  manufacture  in 
Staffordshire.  There  were  few  pot-works  any- 
where else  in  that  county.  Of  the  fifty  small 
potters  in  Burslem  many  were  named  Wedg- 
wood. The}'-  and  their  ancestors  had  been 
manufacturers  of  earthenware  for  more  than 
two  hundred  years. 

Burslem  used  to  be  called  the  Butter  Pottery, 
meaning  the  place  where  butter-pots  were  prin- 
cipally made.  The  other  earthenware  produced 
in  Burslem  was  for  the  most  part  coarse  in  tex- 
ture, clumsy  in  design,  and  very  liable  to  fract- 
ure ; yet  it  was  not  totally  devoid  of  taste, 
either  in  form  or  ornament. 

It  may  also  be  mentioned  that  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  eighteenth  century  there  were 
seven  small  potters  at  Hanley  (now  a place  of 
some  forty  thousand  inhabitants)  ; but  there 
was  only  one  horse  and  one  mule  in  the  hamlet. 
There  was  neither  cart  nor  carriage  of  any  kind 
in  Hanley,  the  roads  being  almost  impassable 
for  even  pack-horses.  The  coals  used  in  the 
place  were  carried  on  men’s  or  women’s  backs. 
There  were  only  two  houses  at  Stoke — Ward’s 
and  Poulson’s — but  no  pot-works  as  yet  existed 
there. 


Birth  and  Education 


3 


Very  little  is  known  of  Josiali’s  cliildliood. 
There  are,  unfortunately,  no  family  letters  or 
journals  of  the  period  to  refer  to  ; and  bio- 
graphical material  of  any  description  is  not  to 
be  depended  on.  There  have,  indeed,  been  tra- 
ditions and  surmises  printed  from  time  to  time, 
but  these  are  not  to  be  relied  upon  for  accuracy. 

It  was,  on  the  whole,  a good  thing  for  Josiali 
that  he  was  one  of  a numerous  family.  On  en- 
tering life  he  found  a little  world  of  boys  and 
girls  about  him.  The  child  in  a large  family 
receives  a kind  of  social  education  by  contact 
with  his  brothers  and  sisters.  The  little  corners 
of  his  temperament  are  rubbed  olf  and  smoothed 
down,  as  with  boys  in  a public  school.  If  he 
wishes  to  pass  comfortably  through  life,  he 
finds  that  he  must  give  and  take,  especially 
when,  like  Josiah,  he  has  to  make  his  own  way 
in  the  world. 

Not  much  is  recorded  about  his  boyhood. 
He  played  about  the  fields  and  strips  of  waste 
ground  near  the  Churchyard  Works.  There 
were  occasionally  pack-horses  at  the  pottery 
waiting  for  their  loads  of  ware.  As  riding  was 
one  of  his  early  ambitions,  he  occasionally  be- 
strode the  pack-horses,  held  on  by  the  willing 
packmen. 

The  mother  had  of  course  plenty  to  do  in 
bringing  up  such  a long  family.”  She  had  to 
feed,  to  clothe  and  maintain  them.  But  she 
never  was  found  wanting.  She  was,  as  we  have 


4 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


said,  lively,  quick,  and  sensible,  with  a soul  full 
of  kindness.  She  was  any  thing  but  selfish  or 
hardened  by  the  number  of  her  children.  With 
a heart  opened  to  them  all,  young  as  well  as 
old,  slie  proved  herself  one  of  tlie  best  of 
mothers.  She  taught  her  children  the  value  of 
industry, — for,  indeed,  the  greater  part  of  them 
had  little  else  to  look  forward  to, — together 
with  those  good  rules  of  life  : integrity,  self- 
help,  self-restraint,  and  perseverance. 

Little  is  known  about  the  school  education  of 
her  youngest  son.  When  able  to  toddle  about, 
Josiah  was  sent  to  a dame’s  school  to  learn  his 
ABC.  This  was  at  that  time  the  only  school  in 
Burslera,  and  he  was  sent  there  more  to  keep 
him  out  of  the  way  of  the  other  children,  or 
perhaps  out  of  mischief,  than  for  any  learning 
he  received. 

The  local  historian,  Simeon  Shaw,  sa3^s  that 
scarcely  any  person  in  Burslem  learned  more 
than  reading  and  writing  until  about  1750, 
when  some  individuals  endowed  the  free  school 
for  instructing  young  persons  to  read  the  Bible, 
write  a fair  hand,  and  know  the  primary  rules 
of  arithmetic.  Josiah’s  early  education  was 
thus  limited  to  reading  and  writing. 

When  seven  years  old  he  was  sent  across  the 
moors  to  a school  at  Newcastle-under-Lj^me, 
kept  by  a Mr.  Blunt.  The  school  was  about 
three  and  a half  miles  from  Burslem,  and  in 
fine  weather  his  walks  across  the  fields  and 


Birth  and  Education 


5 


commons  were  joyous  and  healtliful.  Among 
Lis  school-fellows  were  several  who  afterward 
achieved  considerable  distinction,  though  none 
proved  so  great  as  that  of  Wedgwood  himself. 

He  remained,  however,  only  a short  time  at 
that  school.  He  was  taken  away  at  his  father’s 
death,  which  occurred  in  June,  1739,  when 
Josiah  was  only  nine  years  old.  All  that  he 
had  learned  up  to  this  time  were  the  beginnings 
of  reading,  writing,  and  arithmetic.  The  rest 
of  his  knowledge  and  learning  he  accomplished 
by  himself.  Like  many  men  of  action  and  en- 
terprise, like  Brindley  and  Stephenson,  he  was, 
for  the  most  part,  his  own  educator. 

Josiah’s  father,  Thomas  Wedgwood,  did  not 
leave  much  money  or  property  behind  him.  By 
his  will,  dated  26th  June,  1739,  he  left  to  his 
eldest  son,  Thomas,  the  Churchyard  Pottery, 
and  all  his  real  estate,  with  a provision  for  his 
wife  for  her  maintenance  and  “the  proper  bring- 
ing up  of  her  younger  children.”  Twenty 
pounds  were  to  be  paid  to  six  of  them  on  their 
reaching  twenty  years  of  age.  The  eldest 
daughter,  Ann,  was  omitted,  from  which  it  may 
be  inferred  that  she  had  done  something  dis- 
pleasing to  her  father  ; and  he  could  not  forgive 
her,  even  in  his  dying  hours. 

Josiah  was  included  among  those  who  were 
to  receive  twenty  pounds  on  their  coming  of 
age  ; and  this  was  the  entire  capital  on  which 
he  began  his  industrial  and  artistic  career.  As 


G 


Josicih  Wedgioood 


lie  liimself  afterward  said  of  his  fortunes  : ‘‘I 

myself  began  at  the  lowest  round  of  the 
ladder.” 

To  recur  again  to  Josiah’s  early  education. 
jMr.  Leslie,  afterward  Sir  John  Leslie,  pro- 
fessor of  natural  philosophy  in  the  University  of 
Edinburgh,  was,  in  the  early  part  of  his  career, 
the  tutor  of  Wedgwood’s  eldest  sons.  He  knew 
much  of  the  history  of  the  proprietor  of  Etruria, 
and  after  his  death  collected  materials  for  his 
biography.  lie  says  that  Wedgwood’s  early 
education  was  confined  to  the  usual  routine  of 
a country  school,  where  he  learned  no  language 
but  his  own,  and  that  imperfectly.  Although 
deprived  of  the  advantage  of  a liberal  educa- 
tion, by  diligence  and  perseverance  he  found 
his  own  way  to  useful  knowledge  and  the  right- 
ful a2')plication  of  it. 

IMr.  Leslie  records  that  Josiah  himself  attrib- 
uted much  of  his  success  in  after  life  to  the 
opi)ortunity  which  was  given  him  during  a long 
illness  to  repair,  by  reading,  the  deficiencies  of 
his  mental  training.  Ilis  anxiety  to  accomplish 
this  end  as  he  grew  up,  and  also  the  urgent 
way  in  which  he  advised  his  children  to  gain 
all  the  knowledge  they  could  in  their  early  life, 
show  how  keenly  he  felt  the  disadvantages 
from  which  he  himself  had  suffered. 

The  manner  in  which  Josiah  accomplished 
not  only  his  own  but  his  children’s  education 
will  be  found  set  forth  in  the  following  chaptei's. 


CHAPTER  II 


THE  WEDGWOOD  FAMILY 

So  numerous  are  the  Wedgwoods  in  Stafford- 
shire that  they  might  almost  be  described  as  a 
clan.  They  resided  principally  in  Burslem  and 
the  neighborhood  ; but  they  spread  from  thence 
into  Yorkshire,  Cheshire,  Cumberland,  West- 
moreland, and  other  counties,  where  many  of 
them  continued  to  work  at  the  pottery  trade. 

The  surname  of  Wedgwood  half  fills  the  par- 
ish registers  of  Burslem  in  the  seventeenth  and 
eighteenth  centuries.  It  is  said  that  one-third 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  parish  then  bore  the 
name.  According  to  old  deeds  and  charters 
the  first  Wedgwood  resided  at  a place  called 
Weggewood,  a hamlet  in  Staffordshire,  about 
four  miles  west  of  Newcastle-under-Lyme.  As 
far  back  as  1370,  in  the  13th  of  Edward  IIL, 
Thomas  de  Weggewood  was  frank  pledge  or 
head  borough  of  the  hamlet  of  Weggewood. 

The  family  accumulated  propert}’',  not  only 
by  their  industry,  but  partly  by  their  marriages 
to  ladies  of  distinction.  In  1470  John  Wedg- 
wood married  Mary,  the  daughter  and  heiress 
of  John  Shaw,  and  thus  possessed  the  estate  of 


8 


JosiaJi  Wedgioood 


Ilarracles,  in  the  parish  of  Norton,  near  Leek. 
The  property  was  inlierited  by  the  elder  branch 
of  tlieir  descendants,  \yhich,  for  want  of  issue, 
sliortly  became  extinct. 

The  second  branch  of  the  family  removed  to 
Burslem  ; and  the  first  of  them  we  find  men- 
tioned is  Gilbert  AYedgwood,  wlio  about  the 
year  ICOO  married  Alargaret,  daughter  and  co- 
lieiress  of  Thomas  Burslem,  Esq.;  and  by  her 
lie  had  Burslem  AYedgwood  and  Thomas 
AA^edgwood. 

Thomas,  the  second  surviving  son  of  Gilbert 
and  Alargaret,  was  a man  of  considerable  prop- 
erty. He  owned  a large  part  of  Bui-slem,  in- 
cluding three  or  four  pot-works.  lie  married 
Margaret  Shaw,  and  had  by  her  a family  of 
several  sons  and  daughters.  He  died  in  10/ 9. 
Thomas  was  the  ancestor  of  the  families  known 
as  the  ‘‘Overhouse  AA^edgwoods”  and  the 
“ Churchyard  AA^edgwoods  the  latter  was  so 
called  because  their  pot-works  were  close  to  the 
Burslem  Churchyard. 

Another  son  of  Gilbert  AA^edgwood  and  Mar- 
garet Shaw  married  in  1084  Mary  Leigh,  an- 
other small  proprietress.  They  had  four  sons 
and  five  daughters.  The  eldest  son,  Thomas, 
inherited  from  his  father  the  Churchyard  pot- 
works.  On  arriving  at  maturity  he  married 
Mary  Stringer,  by  whom  he  had  thirteen  chil- 
dren— seven  sons  and  six  daughters.  Josiah, 
the  great  potter,  was  the  youngest  of  the  family. 


The  Wedgwood  Family 


9 


To  return  to  the  origin  of  the  Wedgwoods 
as  potters.  We  find  that  Gilbert  Wedgwood 
settled  at  Burslem  in  1612,  and  became  the 
ancestor  of  a long  line  of  potters.  He  manu- 
factured most  of  the  varieties  of  earthenware 
in  ordinary  use.  The  ware  was  of  a common 
description,  mostly  butter-pots,  basins,  jugs, 
porringers,  and  such  like.  Timber-  or  wooden - 
ware,  for  spoons  and  dishes,  continued  to  be  used. 

The  best  earthenware  was  imported  from 
abroad,  mostly  from  Delft,  in  Holland.  The 
Staffordshire  potters  tried  to  imitate  the  for- 
eigners, and  eventually  succeeded.  Before  long 
they  equalled  them,  and  obtained  part  posses- 
sion of*  the  home  market.  Delft-ware  was 
manufactured  in  Burslem  toward  the  end  of 
the  seventeenth  century.  In  1691  one  John 
Wedgwood  made  a puzzle-jug  in  the  style 
of  delft- ware.  It  was  called  a puzzle- jug 
because  it  was  so  contrived  with  perforations 
in  various  parts  of  the  jug  that  it  was  almost 
impossible  to  drink  from  it  without  spilling  a 
portion.  There  were  imprinted  on  it  the  follow- 
ing lines  : 

“ Here,  gentlemen,  come  try  your  skill, 
ril  bold  a wager,  if  you  will, 

That  you  don’t  drink  the  liquor  all. 

Without  you  spill,  or  let  some  fall.” 

The  Wedgwoods  continued  to  be  potters,  and 
their  numbers  in  Burslem  increased.  At  the 


10 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


same  time  they  did  not  subsist  entirely  by  the 
consumption  of  their  pottery  ware.  One  of 
them,  Dr.  Thomas  Wedgwood,  at  the  end  of 
the  seventeenth  century  combined  farming 
with  pot-making.  Ilis  son,  of  the  same  name, 
resided  at  the  Red  Lyon,  and  was  an  inn- 
keeper as  well  as  potter,  though  whence  the 
title  of  doctor  was  derived  we  do  not  know. 

As  the  profits  of  potters  Avere  then  very 
small,  so  Avere  the  Avages  of  their  Avorkmen. 
Wedgwood’s  grandfather  had,  in  1715,  three 
Avorkmen  to  Avhom  he  paid  four  shillings  a 
Aveek,  and  three  others  to  AA'hom  he  paid  six 
shillings  a Aveek. 

A2)prentices  Avere  still  more  poorly  paid. 
Aaron  Wood  Avas  apprenticed  to  Dr.  Thomas 
WedgAvood  in  1731.  During  the  first  three 
years  of  his  apprenticeship  he  Avas  paid  one 
shilling  Aveekly.  During  the  next  three  years 
he  Avas  ])aid  one  shilling  and  sixpence  Aveekly  ; 
and  in  the  last  and  seventh  year  he  Avas  paid 
four  shillings  Aveekly.  Besides  his  Avages, 
Aaron  Wood  had  annually  a pair  of  ncAV  shoes. 
When  Aaron’s  apprenticeship  expired,  he  Avas 
engaged  for  live  years  as  a journeyman  at  five 
shillings  a Aveek. 

Dr.  Tliomas  WedgAVOod,  junior,  the  inn- 
keeper, did  something  to  imj^roAm  the  manu- 
facture of  pottery.  Besides  manufacturing 
imitation  agates,  marbles,  and  coffee-  and  tea- 
pots, he  eventually  succeeded  in  producing  a 


The  Wedgicood  Family 


11 


pure  white  stoneware.  Ilis  workmen  also  made 
baking-dishes,  milk-pans,  pots,  jngs,  porringers, 
pitchers,  and  other  sorts  of  crockery. 

The  chief  hindrance  to  the  expansion  of  the 
trade  of  Burslem  and  the  neighborhood  was  the 
horrible  state  of  the  roads  and  by-ways.  At 
the  beginning  of  last  century  Burslem  was 
a poor,  struggling  little  village  of  thatched 
houses.  When  the  Rev.  Mr.  Middleton,  incum- 
bent of  Stone,  was  enforcing  upon  his  hearers 
the  duty  of  humility,  he  said  they  might  be 
compared  to  so  many  sparrows,  as  all  of  them 
had  been  hatched  under  the  thatch.  The  Big 
House,  with  the  adjacent  earthenware  manu- 
factory, erected  by  Thomas  and  John  Wedg- 
wood in  1750,  was  the  only  building  in  Burslem 
covered  with  slates. 

Hanley,  Shelton,  Lane,  and  Stoke  were  of 
still  less  importance  than  Burslem.  Longport 
did  not  exist  until  the  construction  of  the 
Trent  and  Mersey  Canal.  The  original  potters 
scattered  themselves  over  the  districts  in  which 
clay,  wood,  and  coal  were  found.  The  primi- 
tive pottery  works  were  widely  spread  over  an 
area  of  some  ten  miles  in  extent. 

The  houses  in  which  the  families  of  the  work- 
ers lived  were  only  thatched  hovels,  sometimes 
covered  with  mud.  The  midden  was  a conspic- 
uous object  before  every  door.  In  many  places 
tliere  were  mounds  of  ashes  and  shard-rucks, 
consisting  of  broken  pots  and  spoiled  eartlien- 


12 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


ware.  Beside  them  were  the  hollows  from 
which  the  potters  had  dug  their  clay.  These 
were  usually  filled  with  stagnated  water. 
Every  thing  was  coarse,  rude,  and  unwhole- 
some. 

Yet  ale-houses  abounded,  for  the  people 
were  greatly  given  to  drink.  As  an  excuse 
it  may  be  said  that  the  earthenware  was  usually 
sold  in  the  public-houses.  The  potters  had 
their  sports,  too — miserable  remnants  of  “Merry 
England.”  In  the  centre  of  Burslem  was  a 
high  Maypole,  at  the  place  where  the  town- 
hall  now  stands,  around  which  the  jolly  pot- 
ters held  their  festivals.  They  had  many 
so-called  amusements — cock-throwing,  goose- 
riding, bull-  and  bear-baiting.  Bull-baiting 
was  continued  down  to  about  sixty  years 
since.  Each  pottery  had  its  special  wake, 
which  was  usually  a saturnalia  of  drunkenness. 

The  morals  and  manners  of  the  people  were, 
of  course,  brutal  and  vicious.  When  John  Wes- 
ley visited  the  potteries,  about  the  middle  of 
last  century,  a crowd  of  people  assembled  to 
laugh  and  jeer  at  him,  and  proceeded  to  pelt 
him  with  mud.  The  following  is  from  his 
diary  on  the  8th  of  March,  1760  : 

“Went  from  Wolverhampton  to  Burslem,  a 
scattered  town  on  the  top  of  a hill,  inhabited 
almost  entirely  by  potters,  a multitude  of  whom 
assembled  at  five  in  the  evening.  Deep  atten- 
tion sat  on  every  face,  though  as  yet  accom- 


The  Wedgioood  Family 


13 


panied  with  deep  ignorance  ; but  if  the  heart 
be  moved  toward  God,  lie  will  in  due  time 
enlighten  the  understanding. 

Sunday,  ^th. — I preached  at  night  to  near 
double  the  number,  some  quite  innocent  of 
thought.  Five  or  six  were  laughing  and  talk- 
ing till  I had  nearly  done  ; and  one  of  them 
threw  a clod  of  earth  which  struck  me  on  the 
side  of  the  head,  but  it  neither  disturbed  me 
nor  the  congregation.” 

A few  years  later  John  Wesley  preached  at 
the  same  place,  and  entered  in  his  journal  these 
words  : ‘‘  I began  preaching  at  Burslem.  Even 
the  poor  potters  here  are  a more  civilized  peo- 
ple than  the  better  sort  (so  called)  at  Congleton.” 
The  women  who  attended  his  preaching  as- 
sumed, to  a certain  extent,  the  garb  of  men, 
and  were  quite  as  ready  with  their  oaths. 
Every  thing  was  rude,  barbarous,  and  uncivil- 
ized. 

In  most  cases  an  ordinary  pot-work  was  car- 
ried on  by  a man  and  a laborer.  When  the 
potter  had  sons  and  daughters,  they  helped  in 
the  work.  The  sons  dug  the  clay,  the  man 
fashioned  and  fired  the  ware  ; and,  when  the 
goods  were  ready,  the  mother  and  daughters 
filled  the  panniers,  swung  across  the  backs  of 
horses  or  donkeys.  Their  drivers  tlien  drove 
tliem  tlirough  the  lanes  to  fairs  and  markets  in 
order  to  sell  the  manufactured  goods.  The 
poor  brutes  were  driven  on  with  whip  or  cud- 


14  Josiah  Wedgwood 

gel,  the  men  and  women  mostly  with  pipes  in 
their  months. 

The  roads  in  the  neighborhood  of  Burslem 
were  of  the  worst  description.  The  lanes  were 
known  as  ‘‘hollow  ways,”  and  in  wet  weather 
they  were  streams  of  muddy  water.  When  the 
poor  brutes,  laden  with  their  panniers  of  crock- 
ery, could  not  toil  through  the  deep  and  sticky 
mud,  they  often  fell  down  and  smashed  the 
ware.  Sometimes  they  broke  their  legs,  and 
were  either  shot  or  left  to  die — a happy  release 
for  the  poor  overworked  animals. 

These  muddy  lanes  were  unenclosed.  When 
the  horses  and  donkeys  could  not  pass  through 
the  hollow  ways,  they  were  driven  on  to  the 
adjoining  commons  or  moorland,  and  went 
along  in  single  file  by  the  steep  escarpments  of 
the  road.  It  was  long  before  carts  or  wagons 
could  be  used  at  Ibirslem.  Even  at  the  begin- 
ning of  last  century  they  were  very  rare  in  the 
potteries. 

But  in  course  of  time  the  earthenware  manu- 
factured in  Staffordshire  improved.  The  black- 
glazed  or  ruddy-colored  articles  were  gradu- 
ally replaced  by  brighter  and  yellower  ware, 
although,  as  has  already  been  stated,  wooden 
spoons,  j)lates,  and  dishes  long  continued  to  be 
used.  A great  impulse  was  given  to  the  manufac- 
ture of  improved  earthenware  by  the  immigra- 
tion and  settlement  of  Dutchmen  and  Germans  in 
Staffordshire.  They  introduced  the  manufac- 


The  Wedgwood  Family 


15 


ture  of  delft-ware.  The  native  manufacturers 
vied  with  the  foreigners,  and  they  were  soon 
able  to  export  their  ware  to  foreign  markets. 

Toward  the  end  of  the  seventeenth  century 
the  two  brothers  Elers,  from  Delft,  followed 
the  Prince  of  Orange  to  England,  and  settled 
in  Stalfordshire  for  the  purpose  of  manufactur- 
ing stoneware.  They  hired  an  old  thatched 
farm-house,  with  some  adjoining  land,  in  a 
secluded  spot  near  Bradwell.  The  small  pot- 
work  which  they  erected  was  scarcely  discern- 
ible from  Burslem.  The  ware  which  they 
turned  out  was  found  to  be  of  a finer  descrip- 
tion than  any  manufactured  in  the  neighbor- 
hood. 

The  Elers  made  the  greatest  improvement  in 
the  potter’s  art  of  England  by  introducing  the 
salt  glaze — that  is,  by  firing  their  ware  with 
the  vapor  of  common  salt  at  a high  tempera- 
ture. They  washed,  and  levigated,  and  in  vari- 
ous ways  prepared  the  clays,  giving  the  ware 
a fineness,  durability,  and  solidity  which  were 
entirely  new.  The  ornaments  and  mouldings 
were  sliarp  in  execution  and  graceful  in  design, 
far  beyond  the  efforts  of  the  Staffordshire 
potters  at  tliat  time. 

The  Elers  discovered  a vein  of  clay  which 
they  found  suitable  for  their  purposes  near 
Bradwell  Wood.  This  clay,  carefully  levigated, 
and  covered  with  an  excellent  glaze,  yielded  a 
red  ware,  like  the  Etruscan  or  Japanese,  hard 


16 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


and  compact  in  texture,  and  admirable  in  de- 
sign. The  Elers,  besides  their  red  ware,  also 
produced  an  Egyptian  black,  by  the  mixture  of 
manganese  with  the  clay  before  it  was  fired. 
They  were  thus  the  precursors,  or,  it  may  be, 
tlie  originators,  of  the  fine  black  bodies  of 
Josiah  ^yedgwood  and  other  Staffordshire 
manufacturers. 

The  Elers  conducted  their  operations  with 
perfect  secrecy.  No  strangers  were  admitted 
to  their  pottery.  The  windows  were  blinded. 
Only  the  stupidest  workmen  were  employed  to 
turn  the  thrower’s  wheel.  Even  idiots  were 
preferred,  Avhile  those  workmen  who  appeared 
more  than  ordinarily  skilful  were  sworn  to 
secrecy.  They  were  locked  up  while  at  work, 
and  were  carefully  examined  when  they  left  the 
premises. 

These  measures  excited  the  prying  inquisi- 
tiveness of  the  Burslem  potters.  Tlie  men  were 
foreigners  ; any  thing  was  lawful  against  for- 
eigners. They  manufactured  their  line  wares 
in  secret.  The  secret  must  be  discovered. 
Two  Burslem  potters,  Astbury  and  Twyford, 
set  their  wits  to  work.  Astbury  pretended  to 
be  an  idiot.  He  applied  at  the  pottery  for 
work,  obtained  it,  and  was  set  to  turn  the 
Avheel.  To  maintain  his  character  of  idiot  he 
made  numerous  mistakes  ; he  quietly  submitted 
to  the  kicks  and  cuffs  which  the  other  workmen 
bestowed  upon  him. 


The  Wedgioood  Family 


17 


But  all  the  while  Astbury’s  eyes  were  very 
wide  open.  In  turning  the  wheel  he  carefully 
witnessed  every  process,  and  examined  par- 
ticularly every  utensil  which  was  employed. 
“The  ass,”  as  he  was  supposed  to  be,  was 
allowed  to  go  through  every  department  of 
the  works,  and  on  returning  home  at  night  he 
made  models  of  the  various  implements  em- 
ployed. He  also  preserved  careful  memoranda 
of  the  various  processes  he  had  seen.  He  re- 
mained in  the  works  for  two  years,  and  at  the 
end  of  that  time  he  was  master  of  the  “ secrets  ” 
of  the  Elers’  manufactory. 

About  the  same  time  Twyford,  another  Bur- 
slem  potter,  discovered  the  same  secrets,  but 
it  is  unnecessary  to  describe  his  pretences  of 
idiocy.  On  their  discharge  both  began  busi- 
ness on  their  own  account  at  Shelton.  They 
made  red  ware,  crouch-ware,  and  white  stone- 
ware from  the  native  clays,  using  salt  glaze 
for  some  of  the  vessels  and  lead  ore  for  others. 
Astbury  seems  to  have  been  the  most  success- 
ful of  the  two.  He  made  journeys  to  London, 
where  he  sold  his  ware,  and  obtained  further 
orders. 

The  Elers  were  disgusted  with  the  treatment 
which  they  had  received  at  Burslem.  They 
eventually  left  the  place,  and  in  1710  removed 
to  Chelsea,  where  they  connected  themselves 
with  a party  of  Venetian  glass-makers  wlio 
had  established  themselves  under  the  auspices 


18 


Josiah  Wedgiuood 


of  the  Duke  of  Buckingliam.  The  Elers  also 
started  a manufactory  of  pottery.  Their  porce- 
lain achieved  a very  higdi  reputation,  and  until 
the  time  of  Josiah  "Wedgwood  their  pottery 
ware  was  considered  to  be  the  best  in  the 
country. 

By  whatever  means  Astbury  had  mastered 
the  secrets  of  the  Elers,  he  was  a man  of 
invention  and  originality,  and  did  much  to 
accelerate  the  improvement  of  stoneware  in 
Staffordshire.  When  he  commenced  business 
at  Shelton,  he  began  to  use  pipe-clay  for  coat- 
ing over  and  washing  the  insides  of  vessels. 
Tobacco-pipe  clays  are  found  all  over  the  coun- 
try. In  the  reign  of  Elizabeth  the  pipes  were 
so  small  and  of  such  a peculiar  shape  that  they 
were  known  as  “fairy  pipes” — the  same  sort  of 
pipes  that  the  late  Charles  Keene  used  to  smoke. 
In  course  of  time  they  Avere  made  larger,  but 
always  of  Avhite  clay.  Astbury,  by  constant 
improvements,  eventually  produced  his  white- 
dipped  Avare,  and  Avhite  stoneAvare,  Avhich  be- 
came an  important  article  of  commerce. 

Astbury  was  also  the  first  to  discover,  though 
it  Avas  by  accident,  the  uses  of  burned  flint  in  the 
manufacture  of  stoneAvare.  While  travelling 
on  horseback, — the  usual  method  of  travelling 
in  those  days, — he  found,  on  arriving  at  Ban- 
bury, that  the  horse  on  Avhich  he  had  ridden 
Avas  so  much  affected  in  the  eyes  that  he 
feared  that  blindness  Avould  result.  He  con- 


The  Wedgwood  Family 


19 


versed  with  the  hostler  at  the  inn  on  the  subject, 
and  the  latter  recommended  the  employment  of 
burned  flint.  This  was  quite  a new  idea  to  Ast- 
bury.  However,  a piece  of  flint  was  put  into 
the  Are,  and  allowed  to  become  red  hot.  After 
the  flint  had  cooled  it  was  reduced  to  powder, 
some  of  which  was  blown  into  the  horse’s  eyes, 
producing  such  immediate  and  effectual  relief 
that  Astbury  was  enabled  to  proceed  on  his 
journey.  He  was  an  observant  man,  and  was 
much  struck  by  the  pure  whiteness  which  the 
flint  attained  on  being  burned  and  the  ease  with 
which  it  might  be  reduced  to  powder. 

On  returning  to  Shelton  he  obtained  some 
flints,  burned  them,  and  introduced  them  into 
his  clay.  The  result  was  a finer  and  whiter 
kind  of  ware  than  any  that  had  yet  been  pro- 
duced. He  shortly  obtained  a preference  for 
his  ware,  and  when  the  secret  became  known,- — 
for  nothing  can  be  long  kept  a secret  in  the 
pottery  district,-— ground  flint  soon  became  a 
general  ingredient  in  the  potter’s  materials. 

One  of  the  earliest  connections  of  Brindley 
with  Staffordshire  was  the  erection  by  him  of 
an  improved  flint-grinding  mill  near  Burslem 
in  1758.  The  flint  was  eventually  ground  and 
used  in  water,  so  as  to  avoid  the  lung  diseases 
to  which  potters  were  subject  when  flint  was 
ground  in  its  dry  state.  It  must  also  be  stated 
that  one  Thomas  Benson  was  the  first  to  make 
the  discovery  of  grinding  flints  in  water. 


20 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


Samuel  Astbiiiy,  son  of  tlie  eminent  potter, 
married  Miss  Elizabetli  Wedgwood,  sister  of 
Thomas  Wedgwood,  father  of  Josiah,  and 
thus  the  ability  of  tlie  Astbuiys  was  united 
to  the  genius  of  the  Wedgwoods  and  their 
descendants. 


CHAPTER  III 


JOSIAII  WEDGWOOD  LEAENS  HIS  TRADE 

On  the  death  of  Thomas  Wedgwood  in  June, 
I'ZSQ,  his  youngest  son,  Josiah,  who  was  only 
nine  years  old,  was  taken  from  Mr.  Blunt’s 
school  at  Newcastle-under-Lyme,  and  was 
shortly  after  employed  at  his  brother’s  pottery. 
Thomas,  the  eldest  son,  had  succeeded  to  the 
small  estate  and  the  pottery  business,  with  pro- 
vision for  the  maintenance  of  his  mother  and 
her  large  family. 

Josiah  early  displayed  a taste  for  modelling. 
While  at  school  he  showed  some  knowledge  of 
cutting  out  designs  on  paper.  He  had  the  run 
of  his  brother’s  factory,  and  soon  after  he  left 
school  he  distinguished  himself  by  his  readiness 
to  imitate  in  clay  whatever  objects  struck  his 
fancy.  He  seems  to  have  had  a natural  bent 
toward  modelling.  He  often  amused  his  ac- 
quaintances with  imitations  in  clay  of  toy  figures. 
His  clay  model  of  a mountebank’s  stage,  with 
the  doctor  and  his  suite,  and  all  the  usual  ac- 
companiments, excited  much  admiration  among 
his  friends. 

The  next  event  of  which  we  have  positive 


22 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


knowledge  is  tliat  Josiali  was  apprenticed  to 
liis  brother  Thomas  at  the  age  of  fourteen. 
The  deed  of  his  apprenticeship  is  still  preserved 
in  the  Hanley  Museum.  Five  years  is  the  term 
of  apprenticeship  mentioned  in  the  indenture, 
but  as  seven  years  was  the  usual  period  allowed 
in  such  agreements,  it  is  inferred  that  Josiah 
had  already  served  for  some  time  in  the  pottery 
when  his  apprenticeship  commenced.  Shaw, 
the  local  historian,  states  that  he  worked  as  a 
thrower  at  the  early  age  of  eleven  years  ; and 
he  adds  that  a wmrkman  of  his  day  named  John 
Fletcher  could  remember  making  balls  of  clay 
for  Josiah  and  his  elder  brother  Richard,  both 
throwers,  when  they  Avere  seated  at  two  corners 
of  a small  room  and  he  was  placed  between 
them. 

The  pottery  turned  out  at  the  Churchyard 
Works  was  of  a common  description,  consisting 
chiefly  of  black  and  mottled  Avare,  baking- 
dishes,  pitchers,  milk-pans,  porringers,  and  such 
like.  Butter-pots  Avere  made  in  large  numbers. 
The  butter-pot  Avas  a coarse  cylindrical  vessel, 
about  fourteen  inches  high,  made  from  the  clay 
found  in  the  neighborhood  of  Burslem.  These 
pots  Avere  glazed  before  firing  with  a mixture 
of  lead  and  manganese,  and  Avere  sent  on  the 
cratemen’s  backs  to  every  part  of  the  adjoining 
country,  or  sold  to  the  higglers,  Avho  carried 
them  from  village  to  village  in  the  panniers  of 
their  donkeys. 


Josiah  Wedgwood  Learns  His  Trade  23 

Josiah  continued  to  apply  himself  to  the  art 
of  throwing.  The  thrower  is  the  person  who 
sits  in  his  shed,  near  the  j^otter’s  wheel,  and 
forms  by  hand  from  the  moist  clay,  as  it  re- 
volves, the  crock,  the  butter-pot,  the  porringer, 
and  such  like  wares.  A workman  weighs  a 
portion  of  clay,  and  hands  it  to  the  thrower, 
who  is  seated  at  his  revolving  disk.  The  boy 
or  girl  employed  for  the  purpose  turns  the 
wheel,  which  is  attached  to  the  disk  by  a band. 
The  disk  is  made  to  rotate  horizontally,  while 
the  thrower,  who  is  seated,  fashions  the  vessel 
by  his  hands  and  fingers  after  the  patterns  or 
guides  before  him,  which  have  been  prepared 
for  the  purpose.  Tlius  the  throwing  is  the  first 
and  most  important  operation  in  forming  the 
shape  of  vessels. 

There  are  other  workmen  employed  in  fin- 
ishing the  ware.  For  instance,  the  stouker, 
in  another  shed,  forms  the  handles  of  the 
vessels  and  attaches  them  while  moist  to  the 
cup  or  porringer  ; while  in  another  shed  the 
ware  is  ornamented  with  various  colored  slips. 
Thomas  to  a slight  extent  improved  the  manufac- 
ture, as,  for  example,  by  making  moulded  ware, 
which  was  a somewhat  higher  branch  of  his 
busi|iess.  But  it  was  only  when  Josiah  began 
to  achieve  distinction  that  this  part  of  the 
manufacture  attracted  attention.  Several  of 
his  early  pieces  were  designed  chiefly  for  the 
tea-table  and  the  dessert-service  ; they  were 


24 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


moulded  very  neatly  in  the  form  of  pineapples, 
leaves,  shells,  and  other  natural  productions. 
This  talent  he  afterward  applied  in  the  exten- 
sive manufacture  of  his  famous  jasper  models. 

It  was  observed  that,  though  very  young, 
Josiah  made  rapid  progress  as  a thrower.  He 
had  a remarkable  e3"e  for  proportioning  the 
clay  under  his  hands  ; and  his  skill  in  forming 
the  vessel  on  the  potter’s  wheel  soon  attracted 
the  admiration  of  his  fellow'-workmen.  But  an 
unfortunate  attack  of  a malignant  disease  com- 
pelled him  for  a time  to  abandon  this  depart- 
ment of  his  trade. 

In  1741,  when  Josiah  was  over  eleven  years 
old,  virulent  small-pox  broke  out  in  Burslem. 
The  house  in  which  the  Wedgwoods  lived  was 
close  to  the  churchyard,  and  the  children  of  the 
family  were  mostly  attacked  b}^  that  horrible 
disease.  One  of  the  worst  cases  was  that  of 
the  young  thrower,  who  was  covered  with  con- 
fluent pustules  from  head  to  foot.  He  was 
almost  at  death’s  door,  but  fortunately  escaped 
with  his  life  ; but  long  after  his  partial  recovery 
he  was  left  in  a state  of  almost  utter  prostra- 
tion. 

One  of  the  wmrst  effects  of  the  disease  was 
the  agonizing  pain  which  he  suffered  inohis 
right  knee.  Doctors  were  consulted,  but  no 
application — no  fomentation,  liniment,  or  leech- 
ing— could  alleviate  his  suffering.  After  many 
weeks  of  agony  he  tried  to  rise  from  his  bed. 


Josiah  Wedgwood  Learns  His  Trade  25 

but  fell  back  again  helpless.  At  length  he  got 
up  and  tried  crutches,  but  found  he  could 
scarcely  walk.  The  pain,  it  is  true,  abated, 
but  the  knee  was  comparatively  useless  through 
stiifness  and  deadness.  By-and-by,  as  his 
strength  increased,  he  was  able  to  return  to  his 
work. 

His  brother  Thomas  having  already  observed 
his  efficiency  as  a thrower,  which  had  attracted 
the  attention  of  his  fellow- workmen,  determined 
to  attach  Josiah  to  his  work  by  binding  him  as 
his  apprentice.  Three  years  had  elapsed  since 
his  entering  the  works,  but  in  his  fourteenth 
year  (11th  November,  1744)  the  ceremony  of 
permanently  securing  him  was  performed.  The 
indenture  was  drawn  up,  signed,  and  witnessed 
b}^  himself,  his  mother,  his  eldest  brother  (the 
head  of  the  pottery  works),  and  bis  two  uncles, 
Samuel  Astbury  and  Abner  Wedgwood. 

The  indenture  provided  that  Josiah  Wedg- 
wood was  to  be  apprenticed  to  his  brother  for 
five  years,  and  that  he  was  to  ‘‘learn  the  Art, 
Mystery,  Occupation  or  Imployment  of  Throw- 
ing and  Handling,  which  he,  the  said  Thomas 
Wedgwood,  now  useth,  and  with  him  as  an 
Apprentice,  to  Dwell,  Continue,  and  Serve,” 
until  the  expiration  of  the  term  agreed  on. 
The  apprentice  was  to  be  allowed  his  meat, 
drink,  washing,  and  lodging,  with  suitable 
apparel  “ of  all  kinds,  both  linen  and  woollen, 

and  all  other  necessaries,  both  in  sickness  and 
2 


26 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


in  health”;  in  return  for  which  his  master  was 
to  teach,  or  cause  him  to  be  taught,  “ the  art 
of  throwing  and  handling”;  but  nothing  was 
said  in  the  indenture  as  to  any  wages  to  be 
paid  to  the  apprentice. 

The  year  after  Josiah’s  indenture  was  signed, 
in  1745,  the  Highland  Rebellion  broke  out,  and 
Prince  Charlie,  at  the  head  of  a small  army, 
had  the  hardihood  to  invade  England.  They 
passed  through  Cumberland  and  the  northern 
counties,  and,  entering  North  Stalfordshire, 
halted  at  Leek,  and  when  they  reached  Bagnall, 
the  Pretender  and  his  staff,  uninvited,  break- 
fasted at  Justice  Marshall’s.  The  rebels  plun- 
dered the  house,  and  made  the  justice  pay  a 
fine  of  three  hundred  pounds.  Ward,  in  his 
“ History  of  Stoke-upon-Trent,”  * relates  the 
incredible  story  of  Justice  Marshall  having 
afterward  caught  a sick  Highlander,  had  him 
flayed,  and  sent  his  hide  to  be  tanned  for  a 
drumhead ! 

The  Pretender  and  his  arm}'-  reached  Derby, 
but  proceeded  no  further.  In  all  haste  they 
retreated  to  the  North.  The  Duke  of  Cumber- 
land, with  an  increasing  army,  lay  for  a time 
at  Shelton  and  Stone.  The  people  of  the 
county  were  apathetic,  though  they  could  not 
but  feel  excited  by  the  invasion  of  the  wild 
mountaineers.  The  country  was,  however,  soon 
cleared,  and  the  poor  unfortunate  Highlanders 
were  eventually  trodden  down  at  Culloden. 

* P.  230. 


Josiah  Wedgwood  Learns  His  Trade  27 

To  return  to  the  apprenticeship  of  Wedg- 
wood.  He  was  now  fifteen  years  old.  His 
right  knee  still  continued  stiff  and  painful. 
Remedies  were  applied  and  rest  taken,  but 
without  avail.  He  could  only  sit  Avhile  at 
work  Avith  his  right  leg  extended  before  him  on 
a stool.  This  attitude  so  hampered  his  position  ^ 
at  the  wheel  and  interfered  with  his  efficiency 
that  he  was  under  the  necessity  of  altogether 
abandoning  the  thrower’s  bench.  It  might  be 
supposed  by  some  that  this  Avas  a calamity,  but 
in  reality  it  proved  a blessing.  We  often  repine 
at  what  we  call  our  ‘411-luck,”  Avhen,  in  truth, 
a mercy  has  been  vouchsafed  to  us.  This  ina- 
bility to  continue  at  the  thro  AVer’s  bench  proved 
the  turning-point  of  Wedgwood’s  career. 

The  Right  Honorable  W.  E.  Gladstone,  in 
his  address  at  Burslem  on  the  founding  of 
the  Wedgwood  Memorial  Institute,*  feelingly 
observed  : “ Then  comes  the  well-known  small- 
pox,  the  settling  of  the  dregs  of  the  disease  in 
the  lower  part  of  the  leg,  and  the  eventual 
amputation  of  the  limb,  rendering  him  lame  for 
life.  It  is  not  often  that  Ave  have  such  palpable 
occasion  to  record  our  obligations  to  the  small- 
pox. But,  in  the  wonderful  ways  of  Provi- 
dence, that  disease,  which  came  to  him  as  a 
tAvofold  scourge,  was  probably  the  occasion  of 
his  subsequent  excellence.  It  prevented  him 

* “ Wedgwood  : an  Address  delivered  at  Burslem, 
Staffordshire,  26tli  October,  1863.” 


28 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


from  growing  up  to  be  the  active,  vigorous 
workman,  possessed  of  all  his  limbs,  and  know- 
ing right  well  the  use  of  them  ; but  it  put  him 
upon  considering  whether,  as  he  could  not  be 
that,  he  might  not  be  something  else,  and 
something  greater.  It  sent  his  mind  inward  ; 
it  drove  him  to  meditate  upon  the  laws  and 
secrets  of  his  art.  The  result  was  that  he 
arrived  at  a perception  and  grasp  of  them  which 
might,  perhaps,  have  been  envied,  certainly 
have  been  owned,  by  an  Athenian  potter. 
Relentless  criticism  has  long  since  torn  to 
pieces  the  old  legend  of  King  Kuma  receiving 
in  a cavern,  from  the  nymph  Egeria,  the  laws 
which  were  to  govern  Rome.  But  no  criticism 
can  shake  the  record  of  that  illness  and  that 
mutilation  of  the  boy  Josiah  Wedgwood,  which 
made  for  him  a cavern  of  his  bedroom,  and  an 
oracle  of  his  own  enquiring,  searching,  medita- 
tive, fruitful  mind.” 

Many  years,  however,  elapsed  before  the  am- 
putation of  his  right  leg.  He  suffered  severely 
for  many  years,  yet  he  never  relaxed  his  efforts 
to  improve  himself,  being  still  courageous,  pa- 
tient, and  valiant,  even  in  the  midst  of  tor- 
menting pain.  Being  unable  to  pursue  the 
work  of  a thrower,  he  went  to  the  moulder’s 
board.  He  first  turned  his  attention  to  im- 
provements in  minor  points  of  detail ; but  in 
course  of  time,  as  his  experience  became  en- 
larged, he  devised  and  sought  out  new  methods 


Josiah  Wedgicood  Learns  His  Trade  29 

of  manufacture.  One  of  his  earliest  efforts 
was  an  ornamented  teapot,  formed  from  the 
ochreous  clay  of  the  district.  It  is  still  care- 
fully preserved  at  Burslem,  and  is  known  as 
‘‘ Josiah  Wedgwood’s  first  teapot.” 

He  next  proceeded  to  the  manufacture  of 
ornamental  small  wares,  such  as  plates,  pickle- 
leaves,  knive-hafts,  and  snuffboxes  in  imitation 
of  agate,  marble,  tortoise-shell,  and  porphyry, 
which  were  readily  disposed  of  to  the  cutlers 
and  hardwaremen  of  Sheffield  and  Birmingham. 
In  the  preparation  of  these  objects  Wedgwood 
analyzed  and  made  experiments  with  the  various 
clays  of  the  neighborhood  ; and  he  endeavored 
to  find  out  new  methods  of  coloring  them  with 
metallic  calces.  Indeed,  he  spent  so  much  time 
on  his  experiments  that  his  brother,  who  was 
also  his  master,  expostulated  with  him,  and  ex- 
horted him  to  confine  himself  to  the  beaten 
track  of  the  trade.  Nevertheless,  Josiah  con- 
tinued to  pursue  his  experiments  as  before.  It 
was  not  so  much  that  he  desired  to  be  original, 
as  tliat  he  resolved  to  pursue  his  profession  to 
the  furthest  limits  of  efficiency  and  beauty. 

While  still  in  his  apprenticeship,  Josiah’s 
mother  died,  in  1748,  and  was  laid  beside  her 
husband  in  the  churchyard  at  Burslem,  adjoin- 
ing the  pottery  works.  Josiah,  who  was  now 
about  eighteen  years  old,  continued  to  live  in 
the  same  house  with  his  brothers  and  sisters, 
who  were  all  older  than  himself,  but  Josiah  was 


30 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


the  only  one  of  the  thirteen  children  who  ar- 
rived at  any  distinction.  His  brother  Richard, 
who  was  live  years  his  senior,  was  a thrower, 
and  had  worked  in  the  same  room  as  Josiab  ; 
but,  becoming  tired  of  the  pottery  trade,  he 
left  the  works  and  enlisted  as  a soldier.  He 
went  away  and  never  returned  to  Burslem.  It 
is  not  altogether  surprising  that  Richard  Wedg- 
wood thought  be  could  do  as  well  as  a soldier, 
for  the  wages  paid  to  young  men  at  the  pot- 
teries w^as  very  small.  William  Fletcher,  who 
made  balls  of  clay  for  the  two  brothers,  was 
paid  fourpence  a week  for  the  first  year,  six- 
pence for  the  second,  and  ninepence  for  the 
third. 

Besides  what  we  have  said  as  to  Josiah’s 
progress,  comparatively  little  is  known  of  him 
during  his  apprenticeship.  Mr.  Llewellyn  Jew- 
itt,  however,  says  of  him  : ‘‘  I have  heard  it 
from  those  best  able  to  know, — from  some  of 
the  oldest  inhabitants  of  the  place, — that  in 
their  boyhood,  at  the  end  of  last  century,  they 
were  continually  admonished  by  their  parents 
and  grandparents  to  be  good,  as  Wedgwood 
had  been,  and  to  lead  such  a life  as  he,  as  a 
youth,  had  done  before  them.  It  is  pleasant  to 
jmt  this  fact  on  record,  and  to  Hear  this  kind  of 
testimony  given  to  the  character  of  this  great 
man  even  when  young — that  he  was  held  up  to 
the  youth  of  his  native  place  as  a pattern  for 
emulation.” 


Josiah  Wedgwood  Learm  His  Trade  3 1 

There  is  no  doubt  that  during  his  apprentice- 
ship he  contracted  a great  fondness  for  his  busi- 
ness, and  that  he  followed  it  through  life  with 
an  alacrity  which  rendered  it  more  like  an 
amusement  than  a matter  of  labor.  He  made  him- 
self minutely  acquainted  with  all  the  branches 
of  the  then  existing  art,  both  of  those  which 
had  as  well  as  those  which  had  not  as  yet  been 
introduced  into  his  brother’s  manufactory.  He 
not  only  grounded  himself  in  all  the  chemical 
and  mechanical  parts  of  the  potter’s  art  then 
known,  but  he  showed  a desire  to  extend  and 
develop  their  application.  Even  at  this  early 
period  he  made  several  curious  improvements, 
and  produced  the  first  pieces,  though  only  small 
ones  by  way  of  specimen,  of  the  afterward  cele- 
brated cream-colored  or  queen’s  ware. 

To  us,  who  look  back  on  Josiah  Wedgwood’s 
successful  career  in  early  life,  it  is  surprising 
that  his  own  family  should  have  failed  to  recog- 
nize the  value  of  his  energy  and  perseverance, 
and  that  he  should  have  been  driven  to  seek 
encouragement  for  his  talents  at  the  hands  of 
strangers.  But  it  must  be  remembered  that  at 
the  time  when  Thomas  Wedgwood  succeeded 
to  his  father’s  business  the  pottery  trade  of 
Staffordshire  was  an  insignificant  manufacture 
compared  with  what  it  became  during  Josiah’s 
lifetime. 

Hor  was  it  any  fault  of  Thomas  Wedgwood’s 
that  he  could  not  look  into  the  future  and  fore- 


32 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


tell  the  value  of  his  brother’s  abilities,  or  fore- 
see the  rising  tide  of  success  in  the  pottery 
trade.  lie  knew  the  modest  but  fairly  sure 
lines  upon  which  his  ancestors  had  worked,  and 
he  was  doubtless  influenced  by  older  relatives 
in  the  determination  he  arrived  at:  not  to  risk 
in  uncertain  ventures  the  slender  provision  left 
to  help  so  large  a family  out  into  the  world. 
Josiah  was,  therefore,  informed  that  he  must 
take  his  speculative  schemes  elsewhere,  as  the 
family  property  was  not  to  be  placed  by  him  in 
any  sort  of  jeopardy. 


CHAPTER  IV 


PARTNERSHIPS  WITH  HARRISON  AND  WHIELDON 

Josiah’s  apprenticeship  ended  in  November, 
1749.  He  had  now  nearly  arrived  at  man’s 
estate.  As  his  brother  would  not  have  him  for 
a partner,  being  greatly  opposed  to  Josiah’s 
“ flights  of  fancy,”  the  latter  had  to  wait  for 
some  other  opportunity.  He  was,  of  course, 
disappointed,  but  he  was  satisfled  to  wait.  His 
mother  having  died  in  the  previous  year, 
Thomas  was  left  to  maintain  her  numerous 
family. 

Josiah  continued  to  work  with  his  brother 
for  two  years  as  journeyman,  at  small  wages  ; 
but  on  arriving  at  maturity  he  was  paid  the 
twenty  pounds  which  had  been  bequeathed  to 
him  by  his  father.  It  was  a very  small  capital 
on  which  to  begin  the  operations  of  his  life  ; 
but  with  Josiah’s  skill,  energy,  and  perseverance 
it  proved  to  be  enough. 

Wedgwood  removed  from  Burslem  to  Stoke 
in  1752,  when  he  was  twenty- two  years  old. 
He  then  entered  into  partnership  with  John 
Harrison  of  Cliffe  Bank  Pottery,  near  Stoke- 
upon-Trent.  Harrison,  who  was  not  a practical 
2* 


34 


Josicih  Wedgicood 


potter,  but  had  been  a tradesman  at  Newcastle- 
under-Lyme,  supplied  the  capital,  while  Wedg- 
wood supplied  the  brains.  The  principal  wares 
he  made  were  mottled  earthenware,  knife- 
handles  in  imitation  of  agate,  and  various  kinds 
of  tortoise-shell  and  marble.  These  were  mostly 
sold  to  hardware  makers  at  Slieffield  and  Bir- 
mingham. 

The  arrangement  did  not  last  very  long,  for 
after  two  years  Harrison,  who  wished  to  appro- 
priate to  himself  the  larger  share  of  the  profits, 
w'ent  out  of  the  firm,  and  Thomas  Whieldon 
came  in.  The  manufactory  had  been  carried 
on  at  the  top  of  Stoke,  in  what  had  been  Mr. 
Alferson’s  pottery.  After  the  separation  of 
Wedgwood  and  Harrison  the  latter  failed. 
His  cupidity  had  not  served  him.  Mr.  Josiah 
Spode  bought  his  works  at  Stoke,  pulled  tliem 
down,  and  erected  cottages  in  their  stead. 

Mr.  Whieldon,  with  whom  Wedgwood  now 
entered  into  partnership,  was  one  of  the  most 
eminent  potters  of  his  day.  It  was  of  great 
advantage  to  Wedgwood  to  be  connected  with 
a man  of  so  excellent  a cliaracter  and  of  such 
superior  business  habits.  Whieldon’s  works 
were  situated  at  Fenton  Hal],  near  Stoke.  The 
partnersliip  began  in  1754,  and  was  to  last  for 
five  years.  Wedgwood  was  bound  to  introduce 
the  secrets  of  the  trade,  and  to  practise  them 
for  the  benefit  of  the  firm. 

One  of  his  principal  productions  was  a new 


Partnerships  with  Harrison  and  Whieldon  35 


green  earthenware,  having  the  smoothness  and 
appearance  of  glass.  Dessert-services  were 
made  of  this  ware  ; the  plates  were  moulded 
in  the  form  of  leaves,  and  were  beautifully 
ornamented. 

Wedgwood  also  made  toilet-vessels,  snuff- 
boxes, and  other  articles  colored  in  imitation  of 
precious  stones  for  mounting  on  metal.  The 
London  jewellers,  regarding  these  articles  as 
entirely  original,  and  the  production  of  some 
new  and  valuable  discovery,  appreciated  them 
accordingly,  and  sold  them  in  considerable 
quantities. 

Wedgwood’s  right  leg  and  knee  still  tor- 
mented him.  He  was  often  confined  to  his 
room,  and  quite  unable  to  attend  to  the  busi- 
ness of  the  manufactory.  But  the  work  must 
necessarily  go  forward,  and  as  he  was  the  rnan- 
aging  partner,  and  the  men  must  be  occupied 
in  manufacturing  the  earthenware  so  much  in 
demand,  he  was  under  the  necessity  of  revealing 
the  knowledge  of  his  mixtures  and  glazes  to 
the  principal  foreman  of  the  works.  Thus  the 
secret  of  his  inventions  became  known,  and  the 
production  of  the  green  earthenware  soon  be- 
came a general  manufacture  in  the  neighbor- 
hood. 

Josiah  Spode,  afterward  a distinguished 
potter,  was  apprenticed  in  his  boyhood  to 
Whieldon  & Wedgwood.  In  accordance 
with  the  low  rate  of  wages  which  then  pre- 


30 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


vailed  he  was  at  first  paid  2s.  6d.  a week  ; and 
when  he  became  a journejmian,  he  was  paid  Vs. 
a week.  The  turners  and  throwers  and  firers 
were  paid  8s.  a week. 

Very  few  manuscripts  are  preserved  relating 
to  the  period  of  Josiah’s  partnership  with  Har- 
rison and  Whieldon.  There  is,  however,  a 
small  green  pocket-book  containing  memoranda, 
in  Josiah’s  writing,  of  orders  under  the  dates 
1 752-53,  from  which  may  be  gathered  a no- 
tion of  the  wares  then  produced.  These  are 
chiefly  of  the  useful  kind,  such  as  blue-flowered 
cups  and  saucers  ; ash-color,  cream-color,  or 
tortoise-shell  teapots  ; bason  bowls,  plates,  and 
image  toys.  There  is  also  in  the  same  note- 
book a list  of  debts  due  in  London,  and  dated 
9th  April,  1753,  amounting  to  £291  12s.  7d. 

Another  set  of  balance-sheets  for  the  year 
1757  is  also  in  existence,  which  refers  only  to  a 
portion  of  the  firm’s  sales  ; and  it  shows  a steady 
increase  in  business  throughout  the  jmar.  In 
the  month  of  January  the  profits  are  entered  at 
£3  IGs.  7d.;  in  the  month  of  May  they  amount 
to  £28  odd  ; and  in  the  month  of  October  to 
£36  odd.  The  expenses  of  production  are  en- 
tered on  one  side  of  the  book,  such  as  clays, 
coals,  wages,  saggers,  painting,  journeys,  post- 
age, and  such  like  ; and  on  the  opposite  sheet 
is  a list  of  the  tradesmen  who  bought  the  ware. 

Among  the  Wedgwood  manuscripts  are  a 
series  of  books,  some  being  rough  memoranda 


Partnerships  with  Harrison  and  Whieldon  37 

in  the  handwriting  of  Josiah  Wedgwood,  and 
others  fair  copies  by  Mr.  Chisholm,  in  which 
are  recorded  a series  of  Wedgwood’s  experi- 
ments in  pottery  fabrics.  The  first  volume 
opens  thus  : “ This  suite  of  experiments  was 
begun  at  Fenton  Hall,  in  the  parish  of  Stoke- 
upon-Trent,  about  the  beginning  of  the  year 
1759,  in  my  partnersliip  with  Mr.  Whieldon,  for 
the  improvement  of  our  manufacture  of  earthen- 
ware, which  at  that  time  stood  in  great  need  of 
it — the  demand  for  our  goods  decreasing  daily, 
and  the  trade  being  universally  complained  of 
as  being  bad  and  in  a declining  condition. 

“ White  stoneware  (viz.,  with  salt  glaze)  was 
the  principal  article  of  our  manufacture  ; but 
this  had  been  made  a long  time,  and  the  prices 
were  now  reduced  so  low  that  the  potters  could 
not  afford  to  bestow  much  expense  upon  it,  or 
make  it  so  good  in  any  respect  as  the  ware 
would  otherwise  admit  of  ; and  with  regard  to 
elegance  of  form,  that  was  an  object  very  little 
attended  to. 

“ The  article  next  in  consequence  to  stone- 
ware was  an  imitation  of  tortoise-shell,  but  as 
no  improvement  had  been  made  in  this  branch 
for  several  years,  the  consumer  had  grown 
nearly  tired  of  it  ; and  though  the  price  had 
been  lowered  from  time  to  time  in  order  to 
increase  the  sale,  the  expedient  did  not  answer, 
and  sometliing  new  was  wanted  to  give  a little 
spirit  to  the  business. 


38 


Josiah  Wedffiooocl 


“ I had  already  made  an  imitation  of  agate 
which  was  esteemed  beautiful,  and  made  a con- 
siderable improvement,  but  people  were  sur- 
feited with  Avares  of  these  various  colors. 
These  considerations  induced  me  to  try  for 
some  more  solid  improvement,  as  Avell  in  the 
body  as  the  glazes,  the  colors,  and  the  forms  of 
the  articles  of  our  manufacture.  I saw  the  field 
was  spacious,  and  the  soil  so  good  as  to  promise 
ample  recompense  to  any  one  who  should  labor 
diligently  in  its  cultivation. 

“ In  the  following  ex})eriments  I have  ex- 
})ressed  the  materials  by  numbers^  which  in  this 
instance  are  a species  of  shorthand,  and  saved 
much  writing.  They  have  also  the  advantage 
of  not  being  intelligible,  Avithout  the  key,  to 
any  person  Avho  might  happen  to  take  up  the 
book,  Avhich  is  often,  in  the  course  of  making 
the  experiments,  unavoidably  exposed  to  such 
an  accident.” 

Then  follows  the  key  to  the  cipher,  giving 
the  numbers  and  letters  employed  in  noting  the 
experiments.  These  represent  the  nature  and 
quantity  of  the  materials,  the  degrees  of  heat 
to  Avhich  they  had  been  exposed,  together  Avith 
miscellaneous  observations,  conclusions,  and 
hints  for  further  enquiry. 

“ The  degrees  of  heat,”  says  WedgAvood,  “ in 
my  former  books  were  expressed  by  the 
different  ovens,  and  the  different  parts  of  them 
Avhere  the  experiment  pieces  had  been  fired  in. 


Partner  ships  'loith  Harrison  and  Whieldooi  39 

G.  0.  signifies  the  gloss  oven  ; P.  0.  the  bis- 
cuit oven  ; W.  0.  the  white  oven  ; and  the 
letters  P.  M.  T.  prefixed  to  these  mean  the 
bottom,  middle,  and  top  of  the  respective  ovens. 
T.  P.  0.  means  the  highest  part  of  the  biscuit 
oven  in  which  we  put  ware.  It  is  below  the  top 
of  the  cliimneys  or  flues,  called  hags  by  the 
potters  ; and  T.  T.  P.  O.  signifies  the  upper- 
most sagger  of  the  pile,  except  the  one  witli 
which  it  is  covered. 

No  other  means  than  the  above  were  at  that 
time  known,  not  only  of  communicating  to  any 
other  person,  but  of  preserving  to  myself,  any 
idea  of  that  very  essential  circumstance  in 
experiments  of  this  kind  : the  degree  of  heat  to 
which  the  materials  were  exposed.  But  having 
lately  invented  a thermometer  for  measuring 
the  higher  degrees  of  heat  as  far  as  we  can  go 
above  ignition,  the  heats  made  use  of  in  the 
several  experiments  are  now  expressed  in  the 
degrees  of  that  thermometer.” 

The  first  record  of  experiments  bears  the  date 
of  15th  February,  1759,  and  continues  for  several 
years.  They  are  systematically  and  minutely 
set  down  in  the  beautiful  handwriting  of  Mr. 
Chisholm,  and  would  doubtless  be  of  great 
interest  to  any  scientific  potter.  Sometimes 
observations  are  introduced  at  the  sides  of  the 
record,  such  as  : This  merits  further  trial  ; 

try  it  again”;  “Colored  clays  often  proved  in 
knife  handles  ”;  “ Colors  to  paint  agate  on  the 


40 


Jonah  Wedgioood 


outside  of  tlie  gdaze  after  it  is  laid  on  the  ware 
and  before  it  is  fired”;  ‘‘The  crucible  broke; 
tiy  it  again.” 

Under  the  date  of  13th  February,  1759,  at 
Fenton,  Wedgwood  writes  : “Trial  for  a blue 
to  lay  upon  the  biscuit-ware  along  with  other 
colors  to  imitate  agate  and  tortoise-shell.” 
Again,  on  the  23d  March,  1759,  while  tiying 
for  glazes,  he  writes  : “ This  is  the  composition 
of  Bow  china,  but  I am  not  certain  of  the  pro- 
portions.” Also  : “This  is  the  result  of  many 
experiments  which  I have  made  in  order  to 
introduce  a new  species  of  colored  ware,  to  be 
fired  along  with  the  tortoise-shell  and  agate  in 
our  common  gloss  ovens.”  He  also  records,  at 
Fenton,  28th  March,  1760  : “Trial  for  a cut- 
ting color  to  trace  flowei-,  etc.,  upon  plain  bis- 
cuit-ware and  to  bear  a lead  gloss  laid  over  it.” 
And  again  : “ Trials  for  red  china.  Agate 
paint  for  spouts  and  handles  to  prevent  color 
from  ruTining  down  the  teapot  ; very  good 
results.” 

In  another  portion  of  his  record  Wedgwood 
refers  to  his  green  glaze,  which,  he  says,  “ is  to 
be  laid  on  common  or  cream-color  biscuit-ware. 
This  is  the  ordinary  copper-green  glaze  of  the 
dessert-services.”  In  the  remarks  column  he 
says  : “Tliis  is  the  result  of  many  experiments 
which  I made  in  order  to  introduce  a new 
species  of  colored  ware  to  be  fired  along  with 
the  tortoise-shell-  or  agate-w^are  in  our  common 


Partnerships  loith  Harrison  and  Whieldon  41 

gloss  ovens,  to  be  of  an  even  self  color,  and  laid 
upon  the  ware  in  the  form  of  a colored  glaze.” 

We  have  been  thus  particular  in  recording  the 
early  experiments  of  Wedgwood  while  a partner 
Avith  Harrison  and  Whieldon.  They  Avill  doubt- 
less be  found  tedious  reading  to  many,  but  it  is 
necessary  to  give  the  extracts  from  his  record 
books  in  order  to  show  the  pains  which  he  took, 
by  his  early  and  careful  experiments,  to  revive 
the  pottery  trade,  then  in  a state  of  great 
depression.  They  Avill  show  that  Josiah’s  future 
prosperity  Avas  not  tlie  result  of  “ chance,”  but 
of  steady  and  persevering  application.  Every 
experiment  Avas  carefully  recorded.  He  Avould 
not  trust  to  his  memory,  but  only  to  the  written 
record  ; and  it  may  be  added  that  the  result  of 
his  skill  and  perseverance  gradually  led  to  the 
general  improvement  of  the  pottery  trade. 

The  five  years’  partnership  with  Whieldon 
expired  in  1759,  and  Wedgwood  Avas  then  left 
to  his  OAvn  devices.  Whieldon  retired  from 
the  pottery  manufacture  Avith  a considerable 
fortune.  He  built  a handsome  house  near 
Stoke,  Avhere  he  long  continued  to  enjoy  the 
fruits  of  his  industry.  He  was  greatly  es- 
teemed for  his  charity  and  benevolence,  was 
made  sheriff  of  the  county  of  Stafford  in  1786, 
and  he  died  tAvelve  years  after  at  a very 
advanced  age. 


CHAPTER  V 


WEDGWOOD  BEGINS  BUSINESS  FOE  HIMSELF 

On  the  conclusion  of  his  partnership  with 
'VVliieldon  Wedgwood  set  up  for  himself  a 
small  manufactory  at  his  native  village  of 
Burslem,  in  a pottery  known  as  the  Ivy 
Works.  The  site  of  these  works  is  now  partly 
occupied  by  the  Burslem  market-place  and 
municipal  offices.  Tlie  exact  date  of  Wedg- 
wood’s commencing  business  on  his  own  ac- 
count is  not  known  ; but  it  must  have  been 
after  the  month  of  March,  17G0,  as  the  record 
of  experiments  above  cited  contains  an  entry 
dated  “ Fenton,  28tli  March,  17G0.” 

However  this  may  be,  it  is  clear  that  Wedg- 
wood had  started  in  business  at  Burslem  in 
17G0,  and  the  probability  is  that  he  -was  enabled 
to  do  so  by  means  of  the  savings  he  had  made 
in  the  partnership  with  Whieldon,  as  well  as 
by  the  small  legacy  which  he  had  inherited 
from  his  father.  He  was  now  thirty  j^ears  of 
age.  We  have  seen  how  careful  and  observant 
he  had  been  as  a young  man,  and  liow  desirous 
he  was  of  advancing  the  manufacture  to  which 
he  had  devoted  himself.  Though  his  means 


Wedgioood  Begins  Business  for  Himself  43 

were  inconsiderable,  he  thought  that  he  might 
not  only  make  the  ends  meet,  but  perhaps  he 
miglit  eventually  make  a mark  during  his  life- 
time in  the  development  of  the  art  of  pottery. 

The  constant  pain  he  had  suffered  from  his 
injured  knee  had  in  many  respects  been  a sore 
hindrance  and  disadvantage  ; but  in  curtailing 
his  bodily  powers,  and  keeping  him  often  con- 
fined to  his  bed,  it  had  produced  increased 
activity  of  mind.  He  never  allowed  himself  to 
be  idle,  and  he  had  read  much  and  thought 
more. 

He  borrowed  books  from  his  friends,  and 
read  them  assiduously,  especially  those  which 
bore  upon  his  favorite  art.  He  also  improved 
himself  in  arithmetic,  geography,  and  the 
knowledge  of  English.  Some  of  the  books 
which  he  borrowed,  especially  those  upon 
chemistry  and  the  mixture  and  combination  of 
clays,  he  copied  in  his  own  hand,  for  purposes 
of  reference.  When  he  had  gained  some 
strength,  and  found  himself  sufficiently  well  to 
be  able  to  rise  and  move  about,  he  began  a 
series  of  experiments  with  the  clays  of  the 
neighborhood  ; and  he  thus  commenced  a 
course  of  technical  practical  education  which 
proved  of  the  greatest  value  to  him  in  after 
life. 

When  he  •commenced  business  for  himself  at 
Burslem,  Wedgwood  rented  a portion  of  the 
Ivy  House  and  works  from  his  distant  cousins 


44 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


John  and  Thomas  Wedgwood.  The  rental  was 
only  £10  a year,  tlie  working  premises  con- 
sisting of  two  kilns,  a few  tile-covered  sheds 
and  rooms,  and  the  adjoining  ivy-covered 
cottage. 

Among  the  hands  whom  he  employed  was 
his  second  cousin,  Thomas  Wedgwood,  Avho  was 
engaged  as  a journeyman  for  five  years  at  the 
wages  of  £22  a year,  or  at  the  rate  of  about 
8s.  Gd.  a week.  Thomas  had  been  a potter  at 
the  Worcester  works,  and  brought  with  him 
the  knowledge  of  the  art  which  he  had  ac- 
quired at  that  important  manufactory. 

AYedgwood  had  other  workmen,  though  they 
were  comparatively  few  in  number.  Indeed, 
he  had  considerable  difficulty  with  these  work- 
men, who  were  wedded  to  their  old  ways,  and 
could  scarcely  be  brought  into  conformity  with 
their  new  master’s  modes  of  workmanship.  It 
was  only  by  his  own  personal  influence  that 
AVedgwood  succeeded  in  moulding  them  to  his 
own  methods,  for  he  himself  conducted  in  person 
tlie  production  of  eveiy  article  that  proceeded 
from  his  works.  He  made  his  own  models,  super- 
intended the  firing  of  the  ware,  and  was  con- 
stantly employed  in  the  various  departments  of 
tlie  pottery  manufacture.  In  doing  so  he  over- 
came to  a large  extent  the  trammels  of  his 
bodily  afflictions. 

At  first  he  devoted  himself  more  particularly 
to  tlie  ordinary  classes  of  ware  which  formed 


Wedgwood  Begins  Business  for  Himself  45 

the  staple  productions  of  the  district.  But  by 
carefulness  in  the  manufacture  he  gradually 
acquired  a reputation  which  led  to  a considera- 
ble increase  in  his  trade.  He  continued  also 
to  make  his  green-glazed  ware,  his  tortoise-shell 
and  tinted  snuffboxes,  his  perforated  dessert- 
plates,  which  soon  obtained  considerable  celeb- 
rity. He  introduced  his  white  medallions,  in 
which  he  eventually  achieved  great  celebrity, 
and  began  to  ornament  his  ware  with  flowers 
and  foliage,  sometimes  gilt  and  sometimes 
colored,  always  striving  at  something  new  and 
original. 

He  prided  himself  upon  his  own  specially 
designed  tea-services,  in  which  the  different 
vessels  were  formed  and  colored  to  represent 
joints  and  vegetables,  just  as  Bernard  Palissy 
had  done  in  France  at  an  early  period  of  his 
earthenware  manufacture.  These  novelties 
proved  so  attractive  that  they  had  a very  large 
sale  ; and  the  other  pottery  manufacturers — 
always  watching  with  interest  the  new  designs 
of  Wedgwood — at  once  imitated  them,  and 
they  very  soon  led  to  a large  increase  in  the 
trade  of  the  district.  Wedgwood  also  began 
his  works  in  relief,  such  as  storks  fishing,  or 
ducks  casting  water  into  a fountain  from  their 
bills,  and  many  other  devices. 

His  connection  and  reputation  rapidly  in- 
creasing, he  found  it  necessary  to  increase  his 
establishment,  and  to  employ  additional  hands. 


46 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


He  hired  some  new  works  and  furnaces  not  far 
from  the  Ivy  House,  on  the  site  now  partly 
occupied  by  the  Wedgwood  Institute.  As  his 
health  improved,  he  was  able  to  devote  himself 
more  zealously  to  his  rapidly  growing  enter- 
prises. The  landlord  of  his  new  premises  was 
Mr.  John  Bourne,  and  Wedgwood  continued  to 
be  his  tenant  until  his  removal  from  Burslem. 

The  new  premises  were  called  the  Brickhouse 
Works,  though  they  were  afterward  known 
among  the  workmen  as  the  Bell  Works.  The 
reason  of  this  sobricpiet  was  as  follows  : The 
potters  had  been  summoned  to  their  labors  by 
sounding  a blast  on  a cow’s  horn.  The  sound 
did  not  travel  very  far  ; and  the  workmen  used 
to  loiter  lazily  into  the  works  just  as  they 
pleased,  every  thing  apparently  going  on  in 
a very  indifferent  manner.  But  Wedgwood 
adopted  a better  plan.  He  erected  a cupola 
containing  a loud  bell,  the  sound  of  which 
travelled  very  far,  and  thus  the  working-people 
were  called  more  rapidl}^  together. 

One  of  Wedgwood’s  principal  difficulties, 
as  with  all  employers  in  those  daj's,  was  the 
management  and  discij^line  of  his  workmen. 
They  were  irregular  in  their  habits,  disposed  to 
be  lazy,  and  there  was  a consequent  want  of 
order  in  the  work-rooms.  Their  drunkenness 
was  one  of  the  greatest  difficulties  he  had  to 
contend  against.  But  Wedgwood  had  infinite 
patience.  He  made  himself  the  workmen’s 


/ Wedgwood  Begins  Business  for  Himself  47 

friend  in  many  ways.  He  counselled  them  to 
save  their  earnings  for  the  benefit  of  themselves 
and  their  families.  By  slow  degrees  he  won 
their  gratitude  and  affection.  He  enlightened 
their  judgment,  and  the  wisest  of  them  became 
his  best  friends.  One  of  his  best  arguments 
was  the  success  of  his  undertakings.  The  men 
saw  his  fresh  enterprises  turning  into  gold,  and 
they  were  not  likely  to  hinder  wliat  was  ob- 
viously to  their  advantage  as  well  as  his  own. 
Thus  order  and  discipline  at  length  prevailed  in 
the  management  of  the  works. 

At  the  period  when  Wedgwood  began  busi- 
ness for  himself  the  workmanship  of  the  pot- 
ters was  in  a very  low  condition  as  to  style. 
The  machinery  used  consisted  mainly  of  the 
potter’s  wheel  and  the  common  turning-lathe  ; 
while  the  chief  tools  used  were  little  better 
than  a few  cutting-knives.  Wedgwood,  with 
his  nicety  of  feeling,  and  his  determination  to 
do  every  piece  of  work  in  the  best  possible 
manner,  introduced  many  new  tools  and  appli- 
ances. He  instructed  his  men  individually  in 
their  use,  and  sought  to  form  them,  as  it  were, 
after  his  own  model.  He  taught  them  the  use 
of  the  new  tools,  and  personally  superintended 
every  thing,  from  the  clay  on  the  wheel  to  the 
final  firing  and  decoration  of  the  ware.  His 
workmen  had  been  brought  up  on  the  old 
lines,  making  rude  pottery,  with  insufficient 
appliances.  Compare  the  refinement  of  mate- 


48 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


rials,  the  delicate  accuracy  of  form,  and  the 
soft  texture  of  one  of  Wedgwood’s  queen’s- 
ware  pieces  with  the  rough  pansion-mug  wares 
generally  in  vogue  when  he  commenced  his 
operations,  and  it  will  at  once  be  apparent  that 
vast  strides  had  been  made  among  his  work- 
peojde  while  passing  from  the  old  style  to  the 
new. 

One  of  Wedgwood’s  greatest  difficulties  was  in 
constructing  his  firing-kilns.  Rej^eated  failures 
were  most  disheartening,  and  he  was  almost  as 
much  distressed  as  Bernard  Palissy  was  in  his 
search  for  the  enamel,  though  he  did  not,  like 
him,  require  to  burn  up  his  furniture  in  order 
to  keep  his  furnaces  in  sufficient  heat.  The 
precarious  activity  of  fire,  and  the  inequality  of 
its  force,  even  in  different  parts  of  the  same 
kiln,  are  formidable  impediments.  Common 
wares  admit  of  considerable  latitude  in  the 
heat,  and  in  an  established  manufactory  expe- 
rience enables  an  attentive  workman  to  regu- 
late the  fire  pretty  successfully. 

But  in  wares  of  an  improved  kind  this  can- 
not be  done.  In  all  the  2:>orcelains  and  fine 
wares,  whose  qualities  depend  essentially  upon 
a certain  degree  of  semi-vitrifaction,  the  haz- 
ard is  very  great.  Even  in  the  heat  that  is 
just  sufficient  for  the  perfection  of  the  ware  it 
receives  such  a softness  and  flexibility  that 
large  vessels,  necessary  for  the  use  of  the 
dining-table,  bend  and  alter  their  form  in  the 


Wedgioood  Begins  Business  for  Himself  49 

kiln  by  tbeir  own  weight,  and  a little  increase 
of  tire  runs  the  whole  into  a vitreous  mass. 

When  Wedgwood  began  to  make  fine  Avare 
for  the  table,  his  repeated  failures  with  his 
furnaces  were  most  disastrous.  The  labor 
and  expense  of  a month  Avere  destroyed  in  a 
few  hours.  One  kiln  had  to  be  pulled  doAvn, 
and  another  built  up  ; the  new  one  also  found 
defective,  from  circumstances  which  could  not 
have  been  foreseen  ; the  correction  of  an  error 
in  one  quarter  followed  by  another  elsewhere. 
Yet  he  conquered  by  dint  of  observation  and 
experience — after  losing  much  money,  time, 
and  labor,  it  is  true  ; but  he  Avould  not  be 
balked.  The  improA^ement  of  pottery  became 
his  passion  ; and  at  length  success  croAvned  his 
indomitable  efforts. 

He  spent  his  evenings,  and  a considerable 
portion  of  his  nights,  in  scheming  and  design- 
ing the  Avorks  of  the  succeeding  day.  Like 
Napoleon,  he  held  that  nothing  Avas  “ impossi- 
ble.” After  contriving  every  thing  he  declared 
that  it  “ must  be  done,”  let  what  might  stand 
in  the  Avaj^  His  Avorhmen  began  to  believe 
in  him  ; and  eventually  succeeded  in  fulfilling 
his  strongly  desired  objects.  They  helped  him 
Avith  his  kilns,  his  drying-pans,  his  tools,  and 
the  other  apparatus  Avhich  he  contrived  from 
time  to  time,  to  carry  out  the  improvements  in 
his  new  manufactures.  His  decision  of  mind 
Avas  ready  to  encounter  and  overcome  any  situ- 
3 


50 


Jo  si  ah  Wedgwood 


atioii  of  difficulty,  while  his  indomitable  perse- 
verance and  unfailing  resource  communicated 
themselves  to  his  subordinates  and  inspired 
them  with  a genuine  interest  in  their  work. 

But  it  was  not  his  evenings  only  that  occupied 
his  mind  with  designing  and  contriving  the 
methods  of  work  for  the  ensuing  day.  He  con- 
tracted a habit  of  thinking  during  the  night 
over  all  that  had  occurred  during  the  day  that 
had  passed,  and  of  all  that  he  had  to  accom- 
plish in  the  coming  day — his  kilns,  his  tools, 
his  wares,  or  his  models.  He  usually  sur- 
mounted his  difficulties  before  the  return  of  the 
morning,  when  he  was  up  and  ready  to  go  on 
with  his  labors.  When  his  fiiend  Brindley,  the 
engineer,  had  a difficult  problem  to  solve,  he  lay 
in  bed  for  one,  two,  or  even  three  days,  until  he 
liad  effectually  designed  his  j)lan,  and  then  he 
would  rise  and  carry  out  his  work,  from  mem- 
ory only  ; but  Wedgwood  could  not  leave  his 
workmen  for  daj^s  together.  He  must  rise,  pro- 
ceed to  the  works,  and  superintend  their  daily 
operations. 

But  lie  felt  the  inconvenience  of  this  custom 
of  thinking  during  the  night  in  the  advanced 
period  of  his  life  ; because  if  any  matter  of 
business  occupied  his  mind  before  he  went  to 
rest,  it  was  sure  to  deprive  him  of  sleej^  for  the 
greater  part  of  the  night.  Wedgwood  had 
always  a very  active  mind  ; but  this  activity 
eventually  proved  an  obstacle  to  his  bodily 


Wedgwood  Begins  Business  for  Himself  51 

health,  which  was  never  very  robust  or  vig- 
orous. 

One  of  Wedgwood’s  early  friends  was  Mat- 
thew Boulton  of  Soho,  near  Birmingham. 
Wedgwood  was  accustomed  to  supply  Boulton 
with  vases,  snuffboxes,  and  other  articles  to  be 
mounted  by  the  mechanics  of  Birmingham,  and 
made  ready  for  the  market.  On  one  occasion 
Boulton  wrote  to  Wedgwood  that  he  admired 
his  vases  so  much  that  he  ‘‘almost  wished  to  be 
a potter”;  but  he  was  satisfied  with  mounting 
in  metal  the  vases  which  Wedgwood  had  made. 

Boulton  was  a man  of  great  practical  genius, 
as  well  as  an  excellent  organizer.  By  his  skill 
and  energy  he  had  completed  and  organized  a 
splendid  manufactory  at  Soho,  which  was  the 
admiration  of  every  man  of  business.  Wedg- 
wood, knowing  this,  had  consulted  Boulton  as 
to  the  management  of  his  own  rapidlj^  extend- 
ing business,  not  only  at  Burslem,  but  after- 
ward at  Etruria  ; and  the  two  became,  as  will 
afterward  be  seen,  exceedingly  intimate  friends 
and  correspondents. 

With  every  day’s  reflection  and  experience 
Wedgwood’s  industry,  energy,  and  taste  im- 
proved. His  great  ambition  was  to  rival  the 
works  of  the  Etruscans  and  to  raise  the  Stafford- 
shire potters’  art  far  above  the  then  standard 
of  excellence,  and  to  rival  not  only  the  costly 
earthenware  of  foreign  countries,  but  that  of 
long  past  ages.  Hence  the  extreme  skill,  Intel- 


52 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


ligence,  and  taste  wliicli  he  bronglit  to  bear 
upon  every  branch  of  his  native  and  favorite 
art. 

It  was  not  merely  in  objects  of  taste  that 
Wedgwood  endeavored  to  excel,  but  also  in 
objects  of  common  use.  It  was  at  the  Bell 
Works  that  he  turned  his  attention  more  espe- 
cially to  the  fine  and  delicate  descriptions  of 
earthenware  which  shortly  after  earned  for 
him  the  proud  distinction  of  “ Queen’s  Potter.” 
The  results  of  his  close  and  incessant  occupa- 
tion, and  of  his  endless  experiments  as  to  the 
properties  of  clays,  kaolin,  carbonate  of  barytes, 
and  such  like,  led  to  the  production  of  many 
marvellous  kinds  of  ware,  and  to  the  beauty  of 
finish  which  characterized  them,  such  as  are  to 
be  rarely  equalled  at  the  present  day. 

Mr.  Gladstone  truly  said,  in  his  Uoge  of 
Wedgwood  at  Burslem,  that  his  specialty  lay 
in  the  adaptation  of  every  object  to  its  proper 
end.  “ His  most  signal  and  characteristic  merit 
lay  in  the  firmness  and  fulness  with  which  he 
perceived  the  true  law  of  what  we  term  Indus- 
trial Art,  or,  in  other  words,  of  the  application 
of  the  higher  Art  to  Industry  ; the  law  which 
teaches  us  to  aim  first  at  giving  to  every  object 
the  greatest  possible  degree  of  fitness  and  con- 
venience for  its  purpose,  and  next  at  making  it 
the  vehicle  of  the  highest  degree  of  Beauty 
which,  compatibly  with  that  of  fitness  and 
convenience,  it  will  bear  ; which  does  not  sub- 


Wedgwood  Begins  Business  for  Himself  53 

stitute  the  secondary  for  the  primary  end,  l)nt 
which  recognizes,  as  part  of  the  business  of 
production,  the  study  to  harmonize  the  two. 
To  have  a strong  grasp  of  the  principle,  and  to 
work  it  out  to  its  results  m the  details  of  a vast 
and  varied  manufacture,  is  a praise  high  enough 
for  any  man  at  any  time  and  at  any  place.  But 
it  was  higher  and  more  peculiar,  as  I think, 
in  the  case  of  Wedgwood  than  in  almost  any 
other  case  it  could  be.  For  that  truth  of  Art, 
which  he  saw  so  clearly,  and  which  lies  at  the 
root  of  excellence,  was  one  of  which  England, 
his  country,  has  not  usually  had  a perception  at 
all  corresponding  in  strength  and  fulness  with 
her  other  rare  endowments.  She  has  long  taken 
a lead  among  the  nations  of  Europe  for  the 
cheapness  of  her  manufactures  : not  so  for  their 
beauty.  And  if  the  day  shall  ever  come  when 
she  shall  be  as  eminent  in  true  taste  as  she  is 
now  in  economy  of  production,  my  belief  is 
that  that  result  will  probably  be  due  to  no  other 
single  man  in  so  great  a degree  as  to  Wedg- 
wood.” * 

Though  Wedgwood’s  time  was  almost  fully 
occupied  with  his  own  concerns,  he  yet  found 
leisure  to  attend  to  the  improvement  of  the 
roads  leading  to  and  from  Burslem,  which  were 
then  in  a villanous  condition.  It  was  before 
the  days  of  Macadam,  and  the  hollow  lanes 

* “ Wedgwood  ; an  Address,”  by  the  Eight  Honorable 
W.  E.  Gladstone, 


54 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


were  narrow,  tortnons,  miry,  and  in  all  ways 
abominable.  Stones  were  tliroAvn  in  by  passers- 
by  at  the  deepest  places  ; but  there  was  no  such 
thing  as  local  superintendence.  The  trade  of 
the  district,  it  is  true,  was  not  very  great  ; but, 
under  the  influence  of 'Wedgwood,  it  was  rap- 
idly increasing.  The  population  of  the  pot- 
tery districts  was  only  about  seven  thousand  in 
1760,  the  year  when  Wedgwood  began  busi- 
ness OR  his  own  account  ; but  the  growing  and 
expanding  trade  could  only  be  encouraged  by 
improving  the  condition  of  the  roads  and 
by-ways. 

The  principal  materials  used  in  the  manu- 
facture of  the  best  kinds  of  pottery  were 
brought  from  considerable  distances ; flint 
stones  from  the  south-eastern  parts  of  England, 
and  the  best  kinds  of  porcelain  clay  from  Dev- 
onshire and  Cornwall.  The  flints  were  brought 
b}^  sea  to  Hull,  and  the  finer  clay  to  Liverpool. 
Considerable  quantities  of  clay  were  also  con- 
veyed in  boats  u])  the  Severn  to  Bridgnorth  and 
Bewdley,  whence  the  materials  were  conveyed, 
chiefly  on  pack-horses,  to  the  villages  in  the 
potteries,  where  they  were  worked  uj)  into 
earthenware. 

The  manufactured  articles  were  returned  for 
consumption  and  export  in  the  same  rude  man- 
ner. Crates  of  earthenware  were  slung  across 
the  backs  of  horses  or  donkeys,  and  sent  off  to 
their  respective  destinations.  They  were  sub- 


Wedgwood  Begins  Business  for  Himself  55 

ject  to  breakage  and  pilferage  ; and  often  the 
poor  brutes  fell  down  in  the  miry  and  narrow 
ways,  and  a whole  crateful  of  ware  was  smashed. 
Even  when  the  ware  reached  its  destination,  the 
cost  of  transport  was  very  heavy.  The  lowest 
charge  was  eight  shillings  a ton  for  ten  miles. 
The  result  of  this  difficulty  of  transporting 
the  ware  was  to  restrict  in  an  immense  degree 
the  distribution  and  consumption  of  the  lower- 
priced  articles  in  common  use.  The  same  ob- 
stacles prevented  the  conveyance  of  salt,  an 
indispensable  article,  which  reached  almost  a 
fabulous  price  by  the  time  it  was  sold  some  two 
or  three  counties  distant.  All  other  articles  of 
consumption, — woollen,  corn,  coal,  lime,  and 
ironstone, — were  conveyed  in  the  same  way,  on 
the  backs  of  pack-horses,  and  thus  living  was 
rendered  very  expensive,  and  agriculture  and 
industry  of  all  kinds  were  seriously  impeded 
and  hindered. 

This  great  evil  of  the  want  of  road  commu- 
nication weighed  heavily  not  only  upon  the  in- 
dustry, but  upon  the  civilization  of  the  district  ; 
and  this  fact,  recognized  by  Wedgwood  at  an 
early  period  of  his  career,  drew  his  attention  to 
the  state  of  the  highways.  lie  took  the  lead- 
ing part  in  promoting  an  application  to  Parlia- 
ment for  powers  to  repair  and  widen  the  road 
from  the  Red  Bull  at  Lawton  in  Cheshire  to  the 
Cliffe  Bank  in  Staffordshire.  Such  a line  of 
road,  if  formed,  would  run  right  through  the 


5G 


Josiah  V^^edgv'jood 


centre  of  the  potteries,  and  fall  at  either  end 
into  a turnpike  road. 

The  bill  was  not,  however,  obtained  without 
considerable  difficulty.  It  was  violently  op- 
jiosed  by  the  inhabitants  of  Newcastle-under- 
Lyme,  on  the  ground  that  the  proposed  new 
, road  would  enable  the  pack-horses  and  carts  to 
travel  north  and  south  without  passing  through 
their  town.  The  public-house  keepers  acted  as 
if  they  had  a vested  interest  in  the  atrocious 
badness  of  the  roads  and  lanes.  Their  business 
would  be  destroyed,  and  hence  they  opposed 
the  bill.  The  bill  was  passed  in  a modified 
form  whereby  the  road  Avas  curtailed  at  the 
south  end,  and  stopped  short  at  Burslem.  This 
was,  no  doubt,  something  gained,  but  it  was  not 
enough  ; and  through  communication  must  be 
established  in  some  way  between  the  north  and 
south.  It  Avas  not  until  the  Grand  Timnk  Canal 
was  projected, — in  the  promotion  of  Avhich 
Wedgwood  took  a leading  part, — that  he  Avas 
able  to  carry  out  his  intentions  to  the  fullest  ex- 
tent. But  the  description  of  this  great  enter- 
prise is  reserved  to  a succeeding  chapter. 


CHAPTER  VI 


IMPKOVEMENT  OF  WARE — FRIENDSHIP  WITH 
BENTLEY 

Wedgwood  continued  to  improve  his  useful 
ware  with  his  usual  insight  and  perseverance. 
His  most  important  manufacture  was  his  cream 
ware,  which  was  greatly  in  demand.  He  im- 
proved its  body,  its  glaze,  and  its  form,  and 
was  indefatigable  in  his  efforts  to  obtain  the 
best  specimens  of  Eastern  and  Continental  ware 
as  models  for  imitation,  as  well  as  to  improve 
their  form  and  ornamentation. 

It  is  hardly  to  be  wondered  at  that  he  paid 
the  penalty  of  most  original  minds,  and  that 
his  products  were  imitated  by  Boulton  of  Soho 
and  by  other  workers  in  metal.  They  were 
sought  for  with  eagerness  by  the  porcelain  man- 
ufacturers on  the  Continent,  and  were  even 
sent  to  China  as  patterns  for  the  potters  there. 
Wedgwood  did  not  approve  of  this  exporta- 
tion ; he  was  of  opinion  that  if  the  Oriental 
porcelain  was  made  in  forms  better  suited  for 
European  tables,  it  would  materially  injure  the 
sale  of  English  earthenware  in  home  as  well  as 
foreign  markets. 


58 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


About  this  time  'Wedgwood  adapted  that 
curious  machine  the  engine  lathe  for  the  im- 
provement of  pottery.  Before  his  time  the 
potter’s  lathe  was  very  primitive  in  its  construc- 
tion ; it  Avas  merely  used  for  paring  down  any 
inecpialities  of  surface.  Wedgwood’s  attention 
Avas  first  draAvn  to  the  engine  lathe  by  Plumier’s 
“ L’Art  du  Tourneur  ” ; he  had  the  book  trans- 
lated for  him.  The  machine  had  hitherto  been 
employed  for  turning  in  Avood,  ivory,  and  metal. 
The  possessor  of  one  in  London  refused  to 
admit  Wedgwood  for  a few  minutes  Avhere  one 
of  them  was  at  Avork  Avitliout  payment  of  five 
guineas. 

This,  however,  Avas  not  sufficient.  Wedg- 
Avood  had  the  good  fortune  to  meet  Avith  the 
celebrated  Mr.  Taylor  of  Birmingham,  avIio  had 
made  the  lathe  instrumental  in  greatly  improv- 
ing various  branches  of  metallic  manufactures. 
WedgAvood  and  he  had  many  conferences  to- 
gether, and  the  Burslern  potter  profited  greatly 
by  Taylor’s  mastery  in  practical  detail.  The 
latter  undertook  to  make  a machine  turning- 
lathe  for  WedgAvood,  Avho  Avas  so  ardent  in  the 
business  that  he  Avould  not  quit  the  place  until 
he  had  got  the  machine  finished  ; and  he 
brought  it  home  Avith  him,  together  Avith  a per- 
son instructed  iu  the  manner  of  using  it.  This 
Avas  in  the  year  1763.  Under  WedgAVOod’s 
hands  this  machine  became  a most  important 
tool.  His  first  application  of  it  Avas  to  the  red 


Improvement  of  Ware 


59 


porcelain,  wliich,  being  of  a close  texture  and 
without  glaze,  was  well  suited  to  receive  and 
retain  a sharpness  in  the  Avork.  He  afterward 
applied  it  to  decorate  the  Abases  Avhich  he  made 
in  queen’s  ware. 

In  the  same  year  (1763)  Wedgwood  invented 
a species  of  earthenware  for  the  table  of  a fine 
and  durable  body,  covered  with  a rich  and  brill- 
iant glaze,  and  able  to  bear  sudden  vicissitudes 
of  heat  and  cold  Avithout  injury.  As  it  Avas 
manufactured  with  ease  and  expedition,  it  was 
sold  cheap  ; and  as  it  possessed,  with  the  novelty 
of  its  appearance,  every  requisite  quality  for 
the  purposes  intended,  it  came  quickly  into  gen- 
eral estimation  and  use.  To  this  manufacture 
the  queen  was  pleased  to  give  her  name  and 
patronage,  commanding  it  to  be  called  “ Queen’s 
Ware,”  and  honoring  the  inventor  by  appoint- 
ing him  her  Majesty’s  potter.  The  Avare  is 
composed  of  the  Avhitest  clays  from  Dorset, 
Devon,  CornAvall,  and  other  places,  mixed  Avith 
a due  proportion  of  ground  flint.  The  pieces 
are  fired  twice,  and  the  glaze  is  applied  after 
the  first  firing,  in  the  same  manner  as  on  porce- 
lain. The  glaze  is  a vitreous  composition  of 
flint  and  other  Avliite  earthy  bodies,  Avith  an 
addition  of  Avhite  lead  for  the  flux,  analogous 
to  common  flint  glass  ; so  that  Avhen  pre- 
pared in  perfection  tlie  vase  may  be  considered 
as  covered  over  Avith  real  flint  glass.  “The 
compound,”  says  the  autlior  of  tlie  “Art  of 


60 


Josiah  Wedgiuoocl 


Pottery,”  “ being  mixed  with  water  to  a proper 
consistence,  the  pieces  after  the  first  firing  are 
separately  dipped  in  it.  Being  somewliat  bibu- 
lous, they  drink  in  a quantity  of  mere  water  ; 
and  the  powder  which  was  united  with  that 
portion  of  the  water  remains  adherent  uni- 
formly all  over  their  surface,  so  as  to  become, 
b}^  the  second  firing,  a coat  of  perfect  glass.” 

In  order  to  supply  the  increasing  demand  for 
his  wares  Wedgwood  opened  an  office  in  Lon- 
don, and  appointed  his  elder  brother  John  to 
conduct  the  business.  lie  had  also  an  agent  in 
Liverpool,  to  whom  the  flints  and  clay  from 
Dorset  and  Devon  were  consigned,  and  who 
also  superintended  the  export  of  Wedgwood’s 
manufactured  ware  to  foreign  countries,  es- 
pecially to  Korth  America,  where  he  found  a 
rapidly  increasing  market.  W^edgwood  had 
occasionally  to  visit  Liverpool  in  order  to  see 
his  agent,  and  inspect  the  import  and  export  of 
his  goods. 

Wliile  at  Liverpool  on  one  occasion  he  became 
aware  of  a device  recently  invented  there  by 
which  the  decoration  of  his  cream  ware  might 
be  greatly  improved.  The  history  of  this  acci- 
dental invention  may  be  thus  briefly  stated  : 
Mr.  John  Sadler  had  commenced  business  as  a 
printer  at  Liverpool  in  1743,  and  it  is  said  that 
the  first  idea  of  applying  the  art  of  printing 
to  tlie  manufacture  of  pottery  occurred  to 
him  when  seeing  some  children  sticking  waste 


Improveme7it  of  Ware 


61 


prints  upon  their  dolls’  houses.  He  adopted 
the  same  method,  fired  some  pottery,  and  found 
the  prints  burned  into  the  ware.  The  applica- 
tion of  this  discovery  led  to  a partnership  be- 
tween Sadler  and  Green,  and  they  took  steps 
for  taking  out  a patent. 

It  is  not  known  at  what  date  they  became 
acquainted  with  Wedgwood,  but  it  is  certain 
that  they  were  in  active  business  communica- 
tion with  him  in  1761-62.  The  system  pursued 
was  that  Wedgwood  forwarded  by  carrier  to 
the  partners’  print-works  at  I^iverpool  a large 
quantity  of  his  cream-colored  pottery,  which 
they  bought  from  him  out  and  out  ; and  they 
subsequently  resold  it  to  him  after  they  had 
decorated  the  ware  with  their  transfer  designs. 
This  complicated  mode  of  procedure  could  not 
go  on  for  long,  and  at  length  Wedgwood 
bought  the  right  of  making  the  transfers  about 
the  year  1763. 

One  of  Sadler’s  letters  to  Wedgwood,  dated 
27th  March,  1763,  shows  that  he  possessed  some 
knowledge  of  his  art.  “We  have  now,”  he 
said,  “ which  you  have  not  seen,  a fine  land- 
scape, a new  Queen,  a Mason’s  Arms,  with  Pitt 
and  Granby  engraved  on  paper  for  the  quarto. 
. . . A landscape,  for  instance,  has  the  fore- 
ground very  strong,  buildings  and  distance  a 
little  ligliter.”  After  Wedgwood  was  able  to 
transfer  tlie  engravings  to  his  ware  his  name 
found  its  way  into  some  of  the  political  lam- 


62 


JosiaJi  Wedgicood 


pooiis  aTid  squibs  which  the  wits  of  the  day 
threw  olf  uiiiiiercifully  at  the  leading  members 
of  the  government.  One  of  them,  alluding  to 
spittoons  and  other  vessels  bearing  the  head  of 
"William  Pitt,*  is  to  be  found  in  the  ‘‘Asylum 
for  Fugitive  Pieces,”  got  together  by  John 
Alnion,  where  an  irregular  ode,  said  to  be  by 
Edward,  Lord  Thurlow,  afterward  Lord  High 
Chancellor  of  Great  Britain,  is  contained  : 

“ Lo  ! Wedgwood,  too,  waves  his  Pitt-pots  on  high  ! 

Lo  ! the  points  where  the  bottoms,  yet  dry, 

The  visage  immaculate  bear  ! 

Be  Wedgwood  d d,  and  double  d d his  ware. 

“ I am  told  that  a scoundrel  of  a potter,  one 
Mr.  Wedgwood,  is  making  10,000  spitting-pots, 
and  other  vile  utensils,  with  a figure  of  Mr. 
Pitt  in  the  bottom.  Round  the  head  is  to  be  a 
motto  : 

We  will  spit 
On  j\Ir,  Pitt, 

and  other  such  d d rhymes  suited  to  the 

uses  of  the  different  vessels.” 

In  the  midst  of  all  these  occupations  and 
growing  responsibilities  Wedgwmod  was  inces- 
santly tormented  by  the  old  and  incurable  ail- 
ment in  his  knee,  which  had  never  left  him 

*This  must  have  been  in  1763,  when  Pitt  was  vir- 
tually Prime  ^Minister,  and  before  he  was  created  Earl 
of  Chatham.  Thurlow  was  then  in  opposition,  but  was 
afterward  appointed  Lord  High  Chancellor  in  1778. 


Improvement  of  Ware 


63 


since  his  attack  of  small-pox.  Though  a most 
active  man,  he  was  always  distressed  when 
moving  about.  A skilful  surgeon  was  called 
in,  and  applied  some  sedative  poultices  ; but 
the  relief  given  proved  only  temporary. 

At  length  Wedgwood,  notwithstanding  the 
pain  which  it  caused  him,  felt  that  he  must 
make  one  of  his  journeys  to  Liverpool.  He  set 
out  on  horseback,  but  while  passing  through 
one  of  the  narrow  lanes  his  knee  was  crushed 
while  trying  to  avoid  one  of  the  wheels  of  a 
cart  coming  from  the  opposite  direction.  He 
nevertheless  rode  on  to  Liverpool,  but  when  he 
arrived  there,  although  scarcely  able  to  stand, 
he  somehow  contrived,  with  help,  to  stumble 
up  to  his  bedroom.  Inflammation  set  in,  and 
threatened  a prolonged  illness.  A surgeon  was 
sent  for,  and  after  giving  him  some  relief,  and 
reducing  the  inflammation,  ordered  him  to  re- 
main in  bed.  This  enforced  inactivity  was  a 
sore  trial  to  one  who  anxiously  desired  to  be  at 
Burslem  looking  after  his  various  works  and 
workmen. 

Dr.  Turner,  who  attended  Wedgwood,  was 
himself  a man  of  accomplishments.  Besides 
being  a good  surgeon,  he  was  an  excellent  chem- 
ist, a classical  scholar,  and  a man  of  artistic 
taste.  His  interest  in  his  patient  led  him,  when 
he  had  sufficiently  recovered,  to  bring  to  his 
room  and  introduce  to  him  many  of  his  own 
personal  friends.  Among  those  who  were  thus 


G4 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


introduced  to  \Yedgwood  was  a gentleman  of 
mncli  intelligence,  an  excellent  conversation- 
ist, and  of  a most  agreeable  manner.  This  was 
Thomas  llentle^y,  then  a Liverpool  agent  and 
merchant,  who  had  travelled  on  the  Continent, 
and  knew  many  foreign  languages,  especially 
French  and  Italian.  On  his  return  to  England 
he  settled  at  Liverpool,  and  married  Hannah 
Oates,  but  she  died  within  two  years,  and  her 
elder  sister  managed  Bentley’s  household. 
Eventually  he  took  Mr.  Ja'mes  Boardman  as 
a partner  into  his  firm.  AVedgwood  was  at- 
tracted by  him  from  the  first.  Tlieir  acquaint- 
ance ripened  into  friendshij),  then  into  brotherl}’- 
affection.  Wedgwood  envied  Bentley’s  re- 
markable powers — his  knowledge,  his  intellect, 
and  his  artistic  attainments. 

Bentley  visited  Wedgwood  as  long  as  he 
remained  at  the  Dale  Street  Inn  in  Liverpool. 
He  cheered  him  up  and  endeavored  to  console 
him  for  his  temporary  loss  of  liberty.  They 
used  the  pipe  of  peace  and  smoked  together. 
Tliey  talked  about  science,  religion,  politics, 
pottery,  the  improvement  of  the  roads  and 
caTials,  and,  indeed,  upon  all  manner  of  sub- 
jects. Even  poetry  was  not  neglected.  Bentley 
was  a great  admirer  of  Thomson’s  poems,  and 
infected  Wedgwood  with  his  love  of  nature, 
and  especially  with  his  poem  on  “ Liberty.” 
Bentley  was  himself  of  a literary  turn,  and  had 
contributed  articles  to  the  Gentleman'' s Maga- 


Friendship  with  Bentley 


G5 


zine  and  the  3Ionthly  Bevieic.  He  had  written 
out  an  essay  on  Female  Education,”  still  in 
manuscript,  part  of  which  he  read  aloud,  to  the 
infinite  satisfaction  of  his  friend  the  master 
potter. 

So  soon  as  Wedgwood  could  move  about 
with  the  help  of  his  crutches,  Bentley  intro- 
duced him  to  some  of  his  more  intimate  friends 
— to  the  Heywoods,  always  a potent  name  in 
Liverpool  ; to  Dr.  Priestley,  then  residing  at 
Warrington  ; to  Dr.  Aikin  and  his  accom- 
plished and  beautiful  daughter  Letitia,  after- 
ward Mrs.  Barbauld ; to  the  Seddons,  the 
Percivals,  and  the  Eyes,  with  other  notabilities 
of  Liverpool. 

In  due  course  Wedgwood  was  able  to  travel  ; 
he  returned  to  Burslem  in  a chaise,  the  roads 
being  now  sufficiently  improved  to  allow  him 
to  travel  by  that  means  of  conveyance.  Then 
his  correspondence  with  Bentley  began,  and  it 
lasted  as  long  as  Bentley  lived.  The  two  un- 
bosomed themselves  to  each  other.  Their 
hearts  beat  in  unison.  Every  thought  that 
passed  through  their  minds  Avas  set  down  in 
writing,  and  duly  communicated  by  post.  Their 
friendship  and  affection  grew  rapidly.  Every 
sorrow  and  joy,  every  difficulty  and  success, 
were  imparted  to  each  other  Avith  manly  frank- 
ness. 

The  first  letter  that  Wedgwood  Avrote  to 
Bentley  on  his  arrival  at  Burslem  Avas  the  fol- 


GG 


JosiaJi  ^ye^lg^cood 


lowing  (loth  iVIay,  17G2)  : “There  is  not  a day 
that  ])asses  hut  I reflect  with  a ])leasing  grati- 
tude upon  the  many  kind  oHices  1 received  in 
my  confinement  in  your  hos})itahle  town.  My 
good  doctor,  and  you  in  particular,  have  my 
warmest  gratitude  for  the  share  you  both  had 
in  promoting  my  recovery,  and  I know  he  is  too 
well  acquainted  with  the  influence  of  a good 
flow  of  spirits  upon  the  whole  animal  economy 
to  refuse  you  your  share  of  merit  in  this 
instance.” 

Among  other  things  that  occurred  during 
Wedgwood’s  stay  in  Liverpool  was  the  appoint- 
ment of  Bentley  as  AVedgwood’s  agent,  to 
superintend  the  arrival  of  the  potter’s  mate- 
rial for  conveyance  to  Burslem,  and  the  export 
of  his  wares  to  foreign  countries.  Hence  the 
letters  between  them  are  full  of  instruction 
and  advice  as  to  the  business  in  hand.  Every 
letter  was  full  of  gratitude  and  hearty  friend- 
ship. As  we  shall  afterward  see  from  their 
correspondence,  this  intercourse  was  honorable 
to  both  ; and  perhaps  there  is  nothing  finer  in 
commercial  communications  than  the  warm  and 
cordial  intercourse  between  these  two  mem- 
orable men. 

Wedgwood  was  very  busy  after  his  return  to 
Burslem.  There  were  long  arrears  of  corre- 
spondence to  overtake,  there  were  still  many 
orders  to  execute,  and  in  their  fulfilment 
AVedgwood’s  presence  was  quite  indispensable. 


Friendship  loith  Bentley 


67 


There  were  the  experiments  on  various  clays  to 
continue  with  a view  to  furtlier  improvement, 
and  there  were  all  manner  of  chemical  analj^ses 
to  pursue  in  order  to  test  the  knowledge  he 
had  acquired  at  Liverpool.  He  could  not  leave 
Burslem  even  for  a day.  To  his  friend  Bentley 
he  wrote  : “ I am  tied  down  to  this  rugged 
pot-making  spot  of  earth,  and  cannot  leave  at 
present  without  suffering  for  it.” 

Wedgwood  took  no  important  step  without 
consulting  Bentley,  Avho  on  his  side  was  alwa^^s 
ready  to  reply  to  him  with  confidence  and  zeal. 
He  many  times  visited  Burslem,  and  Wedg- 
wood returned  his  visits  to  Liverpool.  At 
length  he  insisted  on  Bentley  becoming  his 
partner.  On  removing  his  works  from  Burs° 
lem  Wedgwood  built  a house  for  Bentley’s 
accommodation.  But  Bentley  never  occupied 
it,  as  his  services  were  found  to  be  more 
valuable  in  London,  the  most  important  centre 
of  AVedg wood’s  business  arrangements. 


CHAPTER  YII 


Wedgwood’s  maeeiage 

Wedgwood  had  arrived  at  the  age  of 
thirty-four  before  he  united  himself  to  a 
woman  who  was  well  worth}^  of  his  noble 
character.  A'et  he  had  long  loved  her.  The 
lady  was  Sarah  Wedgwood,  daughter  of 
Richard  Wedgwood,  who  had  settled  at  Spen 
Green,  in  Cheshire,  and  made  a considerable 
fortune  as  a cheese-factor.  Richard  had  two 
children,  a son  and  a daughter.  Tlie  son  died 
early,  and  the  daughter  became  his  heiress. 

The  families  were  remotely  connected. 
Richard  occasionally  visited  Rurslem,  taking 
his  daughter  on  a pillion  behind  him  after  the 
old  fashion,  llis  ])urpose  on  those  occasions 
was  to  see  his  brothers,  the  sons  of  Aaron 
Wedgwood  of  the  Big  House.  Thus  the  ac- 
quaintance of  Josiah  and  Sarah  began,  and 
grew  until  it  became  a true  love  affair. 

The  young  lad}^-  had  received  an  excellent 
education.  She  was  agreeable,  cheerful,  hand- 
some, and  beautiful.  No  wonder  that  Josiah 
was  attracted  by  her,  not  only  by  her  personal 
appearance,  but  by  her  keen  and  accurate  judg- 


Wedgwood  ’5  Marriage 


69 


ment,  and  her  propriety  in  word,  thought,  and 
deed.  She  was  one  of  tliose  happily  constituted 
women  who  can  rise  to  superior  fortune,  as 
well  as  adorn  the  ordinary  domestic  life  to 
which  she  had  been  born.  She  was  still  her 
father’s  housekeeper,  looking  after  his  comfort, 
and  filling  up  her  spare  time  with  the  spinning- 
wheel,  which  she  used  with  skill. 

Wedgwood  was  now  in  a prosperous  condi- 
tion, and  the  father  of  the  young  lady  had  no 
objections  to  his  engagement  with  his  daughter. 
They  corresponded  with  each  other,  and  Wedg- 
wood occasionally  visited  her  on  his  way  to 
and  from  Liverpool.  Their  courtship,  how- 
ever, was  weary  work,  and  Wedgwood  longed 
eagerly  for  the  day  when  he  could  bring  his 
“ dear  Sally  ” to  the  home  he  had  prepared 
for  her. 

The  father  was  very  particular  as  to  the 
terms  and  conditions  of  his  daughter’s  mar- 
riage. Wedgwood  wrote  to  Bentley  as  follows 
on  the  9th  of  January,  1764  : 

“ My  Deak  Feiend  : I would  have  acknowl- 
edged the  receipt  of  your  very  kind  letter  be- 
fore now,  but  hoped  by  Avaiting  a post  or  two 
to  be  able  either  to  let  you  know  of  my  happi- 
ness or  at  least  of  the  time  Avhen  I expected 
to  be  made  so  ; but,  oh,  grief  of  griefs,  that 
pleasure  is  still  denied  me,  and  I cannot  bear  to 
keep  my  friend  in  suspense  any  longer,  though 


70 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


I own  myself  somewhat  ashamed  and  greatly 
mortified  to  be  still  kept  at  bay  from  those 
exalted  pleasures  you  have  often  told  me  of — 
and  I am  very  willing  to  believe — which  attend 
the  married  state. 

“ If  you  know  my  temper  and  sentiments  on 
these  affairs,  you  will  be  sensible  how  I am 
mortified  when  I tell  jmu  I have  gone  through 
a long  series  of  bargain-making,  of  settlements, 
reversions,  provisions,  and  so  on.  ‘ Gone 
through  it,’  did  I say  ? Would  to  Hymen  that 
I had  ! No  ! I am  still  in  the  attorney’s  hands, 
from  which  I hope  it  is  no  harm  to  pray,  ‘ Good 
Lord,  deliver  me  ! ’ Miss  W.  and  I are  per- 
fectly agreed,  and  would  settle  the  whole  affair 
in  three  lines  and  in  as  many  minutes  ; but  our 
papa,  over-careful  of  his  daughter’s  interest, 
would  by  some  demands  which  I cannot  com- 
ply with  go  near  to  separate  us  if  we  were  not 
better  determined.  On  Friday  next  Mr.  W. 
and  I are  to  meet  in  great  form,  with  each  of 
ns  our  attorne}^  which  I hope  will  prove  con- 
clusive. You  shall  then  hear  further  from 
Your  obliged  and  very  affectionate  friend, 

“ JosiAii  Wedgwood.” 

Again  he  wrote  to  the  same  correspondent, 
23d  January,  1764  : “All  matters  being  ami- 
cably settled  between  my  papa  (elect)  and  my- 
self, I yesterday  prevailed  upon  my  dear  girl 
to  name  the  day,  the  blissful  day,  when  she  will 


"Wedgwood  ’5  Marriage 


*71 


reward  all  my  faithful  services.  . . In  three 
words,  we  are  to  be  married  on  Wednesday 
next.  On  that  auspicious  day  think  it  no  sin 
to  wash  your  philosophic  evening  pipe  with  a 
glass  or  two  extraordinary,  to  hail  your  friend 
and  wish  him  good  speed  into  the  realms  of 
matrimony.  Adieu,  my  dear  friend  ! I am 
very  busy  to-day,  in  order  that  no  business 
may  intrude  on  my  pleasures  for  the  rest  of 
the  week.  Can  you  write  two  letters  of  con- 
gratulation on  one  joyful  occasion  ? ” 

The  long-awaited  marriage  took  place  at  the 
parish  church  of  Astbury,  in  the  county  of 
Chester,  on  the  29th  of  January,  1764.  Four 
months  later  Wedgwood  wrote  to  Bentley : 
“ Accept  the  best  respects  of  two  married 
lovers,  Avho  are  as  happy  as  this  world  can 
make  them.”  The  marriage  indeed  proved  a 
very  happy  one.  Sarah  Wedgwood  was  one  of 
the  tenderest  and  best  of  wives.  She  was  a 
woman  of  whom  any  husband  might  well  be 
proud.  She  was  beautiful  and  gentle,  and  the 
two  loved  each  other  with  depth  and  fidelity. 
Her  mind  unfolded  itself  leaf  by  leaf  in  the 
society  of  her  husband,  alwaj^^s  displaying  new 
sweetness. 

She  was  not  only  tender,  but  helpful.  The 
rectitude  of  her  mind  was  intuitive.  Though 
gentle,  she  was  active  and  strong.  While 
Wedgwood  was  ill,  as  he  often  was  through 
the  pain  in  his  diseased  knee,  she  was  his 


72 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


devoted  nurse.  Xone  other  cherished  and 
helped  liim  in  Ids  anguish  as  she  did  ; and  tins 
continued  until  the  amputation  of  his  leg  some 
four  years  after  their  marriage. 

During  Wedgwood’s  occasional  illnesses  she 
learned  his  system  of  cipher  or  shorthand,  took 
down  notes  of  his  tlioughts  and  ideas,  and  con- 
ducted his  correspondence.  What  a noble  wife 
she  was  ! Her  time  was  too  useful  now  to  be 
occupied  in  spinning,  and  her  spinning-wheel 
was  banished  to  the  garret.  Other  domestic 
and  maternal  duties  occupied  her  attention 
henceforth. 

In  January,  1705,  Mrs.  Wedgwood  became 
the  motlier  of  a girl  baby.  Writing  to  her 
brother  Tom  in  London,  who  was  ill  of  a cold, 
but  was  earnestly  invited  to  come  down  to 
Staffordshire  with  his  wife  for  the  benefit  of 
his  health,  W^edgwood  said:  “We  have  now 
got  a pretty  etn])loyment  for  you.  Sukey  is  a 
fine  sprightly  lass,  and  will  bear  a good  deal  of 
dandling.  You  can  sing  ‘lullaby-baby  ’ while 
I rock  the  cradle.  But  I shall  hardly  find  time 
for  nursing,  as  we  have  another  turnpike 
broken  out  among  us  here,  betwixt  Leek  and 
Newcastle,  and  they  have  vi  et  armis  mounted 
me  upon  my  hobby-horse  again,  and  a prancing 
rogue  he  is  at  present.” 

Wedgwood  was  at  this  time  one  of  the  busiest 
men  in  the  kingdom.  He  was  especially  active 
in  the  promotion  and  construction  of  turnpike 


'Wedgwood'' s Marriage 


73 


roads,  so  as  to  open  up  the  pottery  district  to 
the  world  at  large.  Besides  the  road  between 
Leek  and  Newcastle,  there  were  others  between 
Uttoxeter  and  Burslem,  and  Buxton  and  Bake- 
well,  toward  the  construction  of  which  Wedg- 
wood offered  to  subscribe.  He  was  also  busily 
engaged  with  a still  more  important  subject, 
the  arrangements  preparatory  to  the  survey  and 
construction  of  the  Grand  Trunk  Canal.  He 
had  numerous  conferences  with  Lord  Gower, 
the  chairman,  and  Mr.  Brindley,  the  engineer  of 
the  canal.  After  the  scheme  was  launched  and 
subscriptions  were  required  Wedgwood  was 
appointed  treasurer. 

Meanwhile  the  duties  of  his  own  business 
were  increasing,  and  he  was  very  much  occu- 
pied with  the  engine  lathe,  so  as  to  adapt  it  to 
the  improvement  of  the  pottery  manufacture. 
He  had,  as  we  have  said,  obtained  a copy  of 
Plumier’s  work  entitled  ‘‘  L’Art  du  Tourneur.” 
He  could  understand  the  diagrams,  but  it  was 
also  necessary  to  understand  the  words  which 
described  them.  He  accordingly  wrote  to  his 
friend  Bentley,  28th  May,  1764,  as  follows  : 

I have  sent  you  a sample  of  our  hobby- 
horse [engine-turning],  wliich,  if  Miss  Oates 
[Bentley’s  sister]  will  make  use  of,  she  will  do 
me  honor.  Tliis  branch  hatli  cost  me  a great 
deal  of  time  and  tlioiiglit,  and  will  cost  me 
more.  I am  afraid  some  of  my  best  friends 
will  hardly  escape.  I have  got  an  excellent 
4 


74 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


book  on  the  subject  in  French  and  Latin.  I 
have  enclosed  one  chapter,  which,  if  you  can  get 
translated  for  me,  it  will  oblige  me  much,  and 
I Avill  pay  any  expense  attending  it.” 

On  another  occasion,  when  Wedgwood  was 
engaged  in  superintending  the  construction  of 
his  new  works  on  the  property  he  had  pur- 
chased, he  wrote  to  Bentley  : ‘‘I  scarcely  know, 
without  a good  deal  of  recollection,  whether  I 
am  a landed  gentleman,  an  engineer,  or  a pot- 
ter ; for,  indeed,  I am  all  three,  and  many  other 
characters  by  turns.  Pray  Heaven  I may  settle 
to  something  in  earnest  at  last.” 

His  principal  business,  of  course,  was  a potter. 
He  was  constantly  engaged  in  making  experi- 
ments on  clay  and  the  materials  of  glaze,  for 
the  purpose  of  holding  his  ground  and  improv- 
ing his  manufacture.  To  his  brother  John  in 
London  he  wrote  : “ I have  just  begun  a course 
of  experiments  for  a white  body  and  glaze, 
which  promiseth  well.  Sally  is  my  chief  help 
in  this  as  well  as  other  things,  and  that  she  may 
not  be  hurried  by  having  too  many  irons  in  the 
fire  I have  ordered  the  spinning-wheel  into  the 
lumber-room.  . . I do  not  intend  to  make  this 
ware  at  Burslem,  and  am  therefore  looking  out 
for  an  agreeable  and  convenient  situation  else- 
where.” 

On  2d  March,  1765,  Wedgwood  took  the 
opportunity  of  informing  Sir  William  Mere- 
dith, who  had  sent  him  some  elegant  vases  to 


Wedgwood^ s Marriage 


75 


imitate,  with  many  other  specimens  of  ancient 
pottery,  of  his  operations.  The  hulk  of  the 
manufactures  at  Burslem  were  exported  to  for- 
eign markets  ; for  the  home  consumption  was 
very  trifling  in  comparison  to  that  which  was 
sent  abroad.  The  principal  markets  were  on 
the  Continent  and  in  North  America.  To  the 
Continent  he  sent  an  amazing  quantity  of  ordi- 
nary white  stoneware,  as  well  as  some  of  the 
finer  kinds.  He  was  afraid  that  the  trade  to 
the  colonies  would  soon  be  lost,  as  pot-works 
were  already  being  established  there. 

“They  have  at  this  time,”  said  Wedgwood 
to  Meredith,  “ an  agent  among  us  hiring  a num- 
ber of  our  hands  for  establishing  new  pot-works 
in  South  Carolina,  having  got  one  of  our  insol- 
vent master  potters  to  conduct  them.  They 
have  every  material  there  equal,  if  not  superior, 
to  our  own  for  carrying  on  the  manufacture. 
Therefore  we  cannot  help  apprehending  the 
untoward  consequences  to  our  own  home  com- 
merce.” 

Wedgwood  continued  to  make  many  im- 
provements in  his  manufactures.  In  1766  he 
introduced  the  black  ware,  the  jasper-  and  cane- 
ware  ; and  was  making  experiments  upon  mor- 
tars for  chemists  and  druggists,  in  which  he 
eventually  succeeded,  and  did  a very  extensive 
business  in  that  material. 


CHAPTER  VIII 


WEDGWOOD  APPOINTED  QUEEN’S  POTTER 

In  tlie  course  of  Wedgwood’s  business  con- 
nected with  the  construction  of  the  Grand 
Trunk  Canal  he  had  frequent  opportunities  of 
meeting  the  Duke  of  Bridgewater,  the  pro- 
prietor of  the  Bridgewater  Canal  between 
Manchester  and  Liverpool.  On  the  6th  of  July, 
1765,  he  wrote  to  John  Wedgwood,  then  his 
London  agent,  as  follows  : 

‘‘I  have  been  waiting  upon  his  Grace  the 
Duke  of  Bridgewater  with  plans  respecting 
inland  navigation.  Mr.  Sparrow  went  along 
with  me.  We  were  most  graciously  received  ; 
we  spent  about  eight  hours  in  his  Grace’s  com- 
pany, and  had  all  the  assurances  of  his  con- 
currence in  our  designs  that  we  could  wish. 
His  Grace  gave  me  an  order  for  the  completest 
set  of  table-service  of  cream-color  that  I could, 
make.  He  showed  us  a Roman  urn,  fifteen 
hundred  years  old  at  least,  made  of  red 
china,  which  had  been  found  by  his  work- 
men in  Castle  Field,  near  Manchester.  After 
liis  Grace  had  dismissed  us  we  had  the  honor 
and  pleasure  of  sailing  on  his  gondola  some  nine 


Wedgwood  Appointed  Queen'' s Potter  77 


miles  along  his  canal,  through  a most  delightful 
vale,  to  Manchester.  The  next  day  we  waited 
upon  the  Cheshire  gentlemen  at  a meeting  of 
the  Commissioners  for  the  Weaver  Navigation 
at  Northwick.  They  also  promised  to  use  their 
interest  in  favor  of  our  design,  provided  we  fell 
into  their  navigation.” 

Thus  Wedgwood  was  fully  occupied  not  only 
witli  executing  his  orders  for  cream  ware,  but 
with  his  exertions  to  open  up  the  navigation 
of  the  country  by  means  of  the  Grand  Trunk 
Canal.  At  the  same  time  the  manufacture  of 
pottery  occupied  the  greatest  share  of  his  atten- 
tion, inasmuch  as  it  was  by  that  occupation  that 
he  lived  and  flourished,  and  employed  so  large 
a number  of  working-j)eople  in  his  neighbor- 
hood. 

It  was  a matter  of  great  satisfaction  to  him  to 
be  employed  to  make  the  completest  service  of 
cream-color  ware  for  the  Duke  of  Bridgewater  ; 
but  his  principal  object  was  to  be  employed  by 
the  highest  people  in  England — their  Majesties 
the  king  and  queen,  and  the  royal  family. 
George  III.  succeeded  to  the  British  throne 
in  1760,  and  in  the  following  year  he  married 
the  Princess  Charlotte  of  Mecklenburg-Strelitz. 

Their  Majesties  Avere  great  friends  of  British 
manufactures,  and  anxiously  desired  to  patronize 
its  principal  promoters.  It  is  not  improbable 
that  the  queen  was  first  induced  to  order  a 
cream  service  from  Wedgwood  through  the 


78 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


instrumentality  of  the  Honorable  Deborah 
Chetwynd,  one  of  her  Majesty’s  maids  of  honor. 
She  was  a Staifordshire  lady,  daughter  of  the 
Master  of  the  Mint,  W.  R.  Chetwynd,  after- 
ward Viscount  Chetwynd.  Miss  Chetwynd 
was  proud  of  the  rising  fame  of  her  country- 
man, Wedgwood.  She  knew  of  his  intimate 
connection  with  Lord  Gower  of  Trentham,  the 
Duke  of  Bridgewater,  the  Egertons,  the  De 
Greys,  and  other  noblemen  ; and,  being  herself 
a lady  of  taste  and  judgment,  she  took  the 
opportunity  of  recommending  Wedgwood’s 
ware  to  the  patronage  of  the  queen. 

The  first  royal  order  that  Wedgwood  received 
came  through  Miss  Deborah  Chetwynd.  It 
was  a complete  tea-service  in  cream  ware, 
decorated  with  green  and  gold.  Wedgwood 
wrote  to  his  brother  in  London,  requesting  him 
to  wait  upon  Miss  Chetwynd  and  obtain  her 
further  instructions  as  to  the  manufacture  and 
decoration  of  the  service. 

“ I am  much  obliged  to  you,”  he  said  (6th 
July,  1765),  “for  your  good  offices  with  Miss 
Chetwynd.  You  may  be  sure  my  best  en- 
deavors will  not  be  wanting  to  make  the  articles 
she  orders  as  complete  and  elegant  as  possible  ; 
but  suppose  we  fail  in  burning  the  gold  on, 
must  we  in  that  case  stove  it  on,  and  make  the 
ware  green  withinside  ? Must  the  saucers  and 
other  articles  be  gilt  any  further  on  the  outside 
than  from  the  top  edge  to  the  foot  ? 


Wedgioood  Appointed  Queen^s  Potter  79 

shall  be  very  proud  of  the  honor  of  send- 
ing a box  of  patterns  to  the  queen,  among 
which  I intend  sending  two  sets  of  vases, 
cream-colored,  engine-turned,  and  printed,  for 
which  purpose  nothing  could  be  more  suitable 
than  some  copper  plates  I have  by  me.  I can 
adapt  the  vases  so  that  the  designs  will  appear 
to  be  made  for  each  other  and  intended  for 
royalty,  nor  must  you  trust  to  the  contrary. 
But  I am  one  group  or  design  short,  which  I 
have  sketched  out  and  enclose,  and  desire  you 
get  it  done  by  Wale,  unless  you  know  a better 
hand.” 

Wedgwood  was  most  careful  in  his  execution 
of  this  first  royal  order.  He  himself  superin- 
tended the  whole  proceeding,  the  burning  in  of 
the  gold  and  the  illumination  of  the  borders 
with  flowers.  In  his  early  years,  while  passing 
across  the  moors  to  school  at  Newcastle,  he  had 
observed  with  delight  the  wild-flowers  which 
grew  upon  the  waste  ground,  and  vividly 
remembered  them.  As  in  the  case  of  many  a 
successful  man,  his  early  intimacy  with  nature 
developed  his  talent  for  keen  observation,  and 
the  faculty  which  he  had  cultivated  from  the 
beginning  of  his  life  for  talcing  in  all 

that  he  did  became  his  strongest  discipline, 
and  eventually  led  to  his  remarkable  conquest 
over  all  his  difficulties  and  misfortunes. 

lie  had  indeed  many  troubles  at  this  time. 
One  of  the  greatest  was  the  incompetence  of 


80 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


his  workmen.  “I  am  just  teased  out  of  my 
life,”  he  wrote  to  his  brother  in  London,  “with 
dilatory,  drunken,  idle,  worthless  workmen  ; 
they  prevent  my  proceeding  with  the  tea- 
service,  to  which  more  sorts  of  workmen  are 
necessary  than  one  would  imagine.”  The 
uncertain  element  of  fire  was,  as  has  already 
been  stated,  a serious  obstacle.  This  is  one  of 
the  enemies  Avhich  the  potter  has  to  encounter 
and  overcome.  If  not  helped  by  the  assiduity 
of  his  workmen,  he  is  put  to  constant  anxiety 
and  expense.  Sometimes  the  labor  of  a month 
is  destroyed  in  an  hour.  The  kiln  has  to  be 
pulled  down,  and  another  erected  in  its  stead. 
That,  too,  may  be  found  imperfect,  and  has  to 
be  altered  at  a considerable  loss. 

Yet  Wedgwood’s  troubles  were  to  a consider- 
able extent  alleviated  by  his  many  encourage- 
ments. “I  have  just  had  the  honor,”  he  said 
(7th  August,  1705),  “of  a visit  from  the  Duke 
of  Marlborough,  Lord  Gower,  Lord  Spencer, 
and  others,  over  my  works.  They  seem  much 
interested  and  pleased,  and  wonder  that  I 
have  not  a warehouse  in  London  where  pat- 
terns of  all  the  sorts  I make  may  be  seen.” 
Indeed,  Wedgwood’s  works  were  an  institution 
in  the  county  ; and  men  of  the  highest  rank 
were  proud  of  his  industry  and  enterprise. 

The  queen  was  greatly  pleased  with  the 
breakfast-service  when  presented  to  her.  She 
was  so  much  gratified  with  this  tribute  of  an 


Wedgwood  Appointed  Queen’s  Potter  81 

infant  art  that  she  at  once  expressed  a wish 
to  have  a complete  table-service  of  the  same 
material.  Wedgwood  submitted  patterns  of 
the  several  pieces  of  ware,  which  were  amended 
and  finally  approved.  It  was  her  unsolicited 
desire  that  the  service  should  bear  the  name  of 
“The  Queen’s  Ware,”  and  that  the  manufac- 
turer should  be  appointed  “Potter  to  Her 
Majesty.” 

Under  this  powerful  patronage  the  ware 
found  its  way  at  once  to  the  tables  of  persons 
of  rank  and  influence,  and  came  rapidly  into 
general  estimation  and  use.  Indeed,  it  was  of 
a quality  so  far  superior  to  every  thing  which 
had  before  been  made  in  this  kingdom,  and  at 
the  same  time  so  moderate  in  price,  that  it 
could  not  fail  to  be  favorably  received.  The 
other  potters,  availing  themselves  of  his  suc- 
cessful invention,  with  the  advantage  of  being 
exempt  from  the  anxieties  and  expenses  which 
it  had  cost  the  inventor,  soon  set  up  works  of 
the  same  kind,  and  queen’s  ware  became  the 
staple  pottery  of  England. 

On  the  queen’s  service  being  finished  and 
delivered,  the  king  gave  Wedgwood  his  imme- 
diate patronage  by  ordering  a similar  service 
for  himself,  but  without  bands  or  ribs  ; this 
was  called  “The  Hoyal  Pattern.”  Their 
Majesties’  patronage,  by  drawing  public  at- 
tention to  the  Staffordshire  potters,  opened 
up  a source  of  wealth  to  many  thousands  of 

4* 


82 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


people,  and  extended  commerce  to  a marvellous 
extent,  not  only  at  home,  but  abroad.  The  tide 
of  fortune  which  had  thus  set  in  was  greatly 
increased  by  Wedgwood’s  subsequent  inven- 
tions, and  he  emerged  from  his  small  manu- 
factory at  Burslem  to  the  colony  which  he 
afterward  established  at  Etruria,  a few  miles 
distant. 

The  forms  of  the  vessels  in  use  were  greatly 
improved  by  Wedgwood.  Other  manufac- 
turers followed  his  example  ; they  adopted  his 
models,  for  he  took  out  no  patent  (with  only 
one  exception,  of  no  special  importance),  and 
all  his  efforts  and  inventions  virtually  became 
the  property  of  his  competitors.  His  forms 
were  copied  by  the  manufacturers  in  his  neigh- 
borhood, both  by  silversmiths,  bronze-makers, 
and  other  workers  in  metal.  Boulton  of  Bir- 
mingham admired  Wedgwood’s  vases  so  much 
that  he  almost  wished  to  be  a potter  ; but,  as 
we  have  said,  he  was  satisfied  with  mounting  in 
metal  the  vases  which  Wedgwood  had  made. 
“ The  mounting  of  vases,”  said  Boulton,  “ is  a 
large  field  for  fancy,  in  which  I shall  indulge, 
as  I perceive  it  possible  to  convert  even  a very 
ugly  vessel  into  a beautiful  vase.” 

The  engine  lathe,  although  no  patent  had 
been  taken  out  for  its  application  to  the  manu- 
facture of  pottery,  became  in  the  hands  of 
Wedgwood  an  ever-increasing  power.  It  was 
soon  applied  to  the  decoration  of  vases  made  in 


Wedgwood  Appointed  Queen’s  Potter  83 


the  green  ware  after  the  antique,  and  also  to 
carry  out  the  designs  of  several  ingenious  ladies 
and  gentlemen  who  furnished  him  with  proi^er 
models,  both  original  and  Etruscan. 

But  Wedgwood  left  every  potter  free  to 
imitate  his  designs.  As  he  himself  said,  a 
patent  would  have  greatly  limited  its  public 
utility.  Instead  of  one  hundred  manufacturers 
there  would  only  have  been  one  ; and  instead 
of  exporting  to  all  quarters  of  the  world  a few 
pretty  things  would  have  been  made  for  the 
amusement  of  the  people  of  fashion  in  England. 

In  the  last  century  Burslem  and  some  other 
villages  in  Staffordshire  were  famous  for  their 
milk-pans  and  butter-pots.  About  a hundred 
people  were  then  occupied  in  their  production  ; 
wliile  now  there  are  about  ten  thousand  work- 
men employed  in  manufacturing  useful  and 
ornamental  wares,  and  besides  the  home  con- 
sumption, an  annual  export  takes  place  to  the 
amount  of  nearly  two  hundred  thousand  pounds. 
This  surely  is  greatly  to  the  credit  of  the  in- 
dustry and  enterprise  of  Staffordshire. 

Wedgwood  eventually  did  what  Lord  Gower 
and  his  other  friends  had  so  strongly  advised 
him  to  do  : he  opened  a warehouse  in  London 
for  the  exhibition  of  his  queen’s  ware,  Etrus- 
can vases,  and  other  useful  and  artistic  works. 
He  had  before  a small  storehouse  in  Cateaton 
Street  for  shop  and  exported  goods  ; but  in 
August,  17G5,  he  hired  an  establishment  in 


84 


Josicih  Wedgiiiood 


Newport  Street,  which  he  afterward  removed  to 
Greek  Street  for  larger  accommodation  ; and 
there  his  brother  John  exhibited  his  works  to 
numerous  admiring  visitoi's.  In  fact,  his  show- 
rooms were  as  much  crowded  as  exhibitions  of 
the  Royal  Academy. 

Wedgwood  also  hired  Avorks  at  Chelsea, 
Avhere  he  employed  enamellers,  modellers,  and 
artists.  He  was  under  the  necessity  of  fre- 
quently visiting  London  to  superintend  their 
important  operations.  His  mind  was  thus  con- 
stantly occupied,  Avhat  Avith  his  OAvn  special 
res2:)onsibilities  at  Burslem,  his  efforts  to  improve 
the  roads  and  canals  through  Staffordshire,  and 
his  endeavors  to  advance  the  manufacture  of 
vases  and  cartheuAvare.  When  asked  Avliether 
lie  had  read  the  review  of  Mr.  Priestley’s  work, 
he  ansAvered  : “ Indeed,  the  truth  is  I have 

scarcely  read  any  thing  at  all,  or  thought  of 
any  thing  at  all,  but  pot-making  and  navigat- 
ing ; and  when  it  Avill  be  otherwise  Avith  me  I 
really  cannot  tell.” 

It  Avas  one  of  Wedgwood’s  great  objects  to 
revive  the  classical  Avorks  of  the  Greeks.  He 
imitated  the  fine  vases  Avhich  he  found  in  the 
Montfaucon  and  other  collections,  and  in  the 
best  AVorks  of  his  OAvn  time.  He  Avas  under  the 
impression  that  the  improvement  of  pottery, 
Avhile  exciting  the  public  attention  to  these 
beautiful  Avorks,  Avould  contribute  to  lay  the 
foundation  of  a school  of  modelling  and  artis- 


Wedgwood  Appointed  Queen’’ s Potter  85 

tic  manufacture.  At  the  same  time,  notwith- 
standing all  that  he  had  done  to  improve  this 
branch  of  industry,  he  used  to  declare,  even  in 
his  later  days,  that  he  considered  pottery  as 
still  but  in  its  infancy.  He  was  enabled  to 
carry  his  designs  into  effect,  to  a certain  extent, 
by  the  liberal  and  j)atriotic  disposition  of  their 
Majesties,  by  the  nobility,  and  others,  who 
opened  their  cabinets  and  pemiitted  him  to 
take  copies  of  the  finest  pieces  they  had  pur- 
chased in  the  course  of  their  travels. 

About  the  year  1766  he  first  produced  the 
unglazed  black  porcelain  to  which  he  gave  the 
name  of  basaltes,  from  its  possessing  the  prop- 
erties of  that  stone,  a variegated  terra-cotta, 
a white  wax-like  porcelain,  and  other  inven- 
tions adapted  to  different  purposes.  In  ancient 
times  the  Etruscans  painted  their  vases  with 
durable  colors,  which  were  burned  in  by  fire. 
Even  in  the  time  of  Pliny  these  vases,  so  pre- 
pared, were  regarded  as  one  of  the  lost  arts  of 
preceding  ages.  Wedgwood,  by  his  experimen- 
tal skill  and  his  extreme  perseverance,  revived 
this  lost  art.  The  colors  he  burned  in  were 
fully  as  beautiful  as  the  originals,  and  suscepti- 
ble of  greater  variety.  These  revivals,  in  the 
newly  invented  materials,  soon  caught  the  pub- 
lic eye  and  occasioned  a rapid  demand  for 
Wedgwood’s  productions,  as  well  as  for  those  of 
the  manufacturers  who  so  eagerly  followed  his 
example. 


86 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


Wedgwood  was  at  ]!Tewport  Street,  London, 
at  the  end  of  1765  ; he  then  wrote  to  Bentley, 
still  at  Liverpool,  on  the  subject  of  his  occupa- 
tions : An  epidemical  madness^'’  he  said, 

“ reig7is  for  vases,  which  must  be  gratified.  I 
have  five  or  six  modellers  and  carvers  at  work 
upon  different  branches,  and  a moulder  con- 
stantly in  my  house.  I have  seen  the  Italian 
vases,  and  like  them  vastly  ; have  also  seen 
some  better  prints  of  vases  than  any  I have, 
particularly  for  bas-reliefs,  and  a friend  has 
promised  to  lend  them  to  me.” 

And  again  in  February,  1766  : ‘‘  Let  all  the 

hands  that  can  be  spared  and  can  work  at  vases 
be  employed  on  them  . . . that  the  great 
demand  for  them  here  may  not  be  balked.  I 
could  sell  fifty  or  one  hundred  pounds’  worth 
per  day  if  I had  tliem.” 

At  this  time  Wedgwood  was  patronized  by 
some  of  the  principal  artistic  members  of  the 
aristocracy — by  Lord  Rockingham,  Lord  March, 
the  Duke  of  ISTortliumberland,  the  Duke  of 
Montagu,  Sir  Thomas  Gascoigne,  and  others, 
and  was  honored  with  an  extraordinary  com- 
mission from  Catherine,  Empress  of  Russia. 
He  was  directed  to  make  a very  large  service 
of  queen’s  ware  for  her  Majesty’s  use,  and  to 
paint  in  black  enamel,  upon  every  piece,  a dif- 
ferent view  of  the  palaces,  seats  of  the  nobility, 
and  other  remarkable  places  in  the  British 
kingdom.  The  idea  was  worthy  of  the  mind 


Wedgwood  Appointed  Queen* s Potter  87 

of  a sovereign,  but  the  undertaking  seemed  a 
great  one  for  the  powers  of  a private  manu- 
facturer. The  number  of  views  necessary  for 
avoiding  repetition  of  the  same  subjects  was 
about  twelve  hundred,  and  a considerable  pro- 
portion of  them  must  necessarily  be  original 
drawings.  Some  three  years  were  spent  in 
making  the  collection  of  drawings  and  paint- 
ing them  on  the  ware,  which  was  done  with 
correctness  of  design,  so  that  each  piece  was  a 
good  picture. 

On  the  14th  of  February,  1766,  Wedgwood 
wrote  to  her  Majesty’s  representative  in  Lon- 
don : ‘‘We  shall  send  you  the  Russian  table- 
and  dessert-service  faster  than  you  can  get  them 
enamelled.  I can  promise  with  certainty  that 
no  part  of  it  can  wait  for  us,  if  you’ll  be  so 
good  as  to  push  Mr.  Coward  with  his  carving.” 
Wedgwood  was  greatly  indebted  to  Lord  Cath- 
cart,  the  British  ambassador  to  Russia,  for  his 
kindly  help,  and  most  probably  his  recommen- 
dation to  the  Russian  empress.  The  prepara- 
tion of  her  table-service  occupied  about  eight 
years,  principally  on  account  of  the  large 
variety  of  different  patterns  that  had  to  be 
enamelled  ; but  at  length  it  Avas  exhibited  in 
London  in  1774.  The  service  was  shortly  after 
presented  to  the  empress  and  received  by  her 
with  entire  satisfaction.  It  is  supposed  that 
her  Majesty  paid  for  Wedgwood’s  work  as 
much  as  three  thousand  pounds.  But  it  con- 


88 


JosiaJi  Wedgioood 


sisted  of  952  pieces,  and  had  involved  an 
immense  amount  of  labor.  When  exhibited  at 
the  rooms  in  Greek  Street,  it  was  one  of  the 
most  popular  sights  in  London.  The  money 
that  Wedgwood  received  for  the  service  scarcely 
paid  its  expenses  ; but  it  acted  as  a splendid 
advertisement  throughout  Britain,  and,  indeed, 
throughout  Europe,  and  its  appearance  largely 
increased  the  demand  for  Wedgwood’s  manu- 
factures. 


CHAPTER  IX 


FOUNDING  OF  ETEUKIA — PARTNERSHIP  WITH 
BENTLEY 

The  great  demand  for  the  queen’s  ware  and 
the  other  productions  of  Josiah  Wedgwood  led 
to  a large  increase  in  the  population  of  Burslem. 
Houses  could  scarcely  be  built  soon  enough  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  people.  The  demand 
for  vases  also  brought  a considerable  number 
of  artists  and  superior  workmen  into  the  neigh- 
borhood, and  not  only  was  the  dwelling  accom- 
modation insufficient,  but  the  factories  also  be- 
came overcrowded.  The  numerous  hands  could 
scarcely  find  room  enough  for  the  proper  elab- 
oration of  their  wares. 

It  was  therefore  necessary  that  Wedgwood 
should  make  some  arrangements  for  their  proper 
accommodation.  He  did  not  like  to  leave  his 
native  town.  He  endeavored,  in  the  first  place, 
to  ascertain  whether  he  could  not  purchase  and 
enlarge  the  manufactories  in  which  he  carried 
on  his  operations,  and  erect  new  dwellings  for 
his  work-people.  Having  by  this  time  accu- 
mulated some  savings,  as  well  as  increased  his 
means  by  the  fortune  of  his  wife,  he  made  a 
proposal  to  Thomas  and  John  Wedgwood  to 


90 


Jonah  Wedgioood 


])urcliasc  the  Ivy  House  and  the  Big  House, 
which  belonged  to  them,  for  the  purpose  of 
extending  his  works.  But  they  declined  his 
application,  and  he  was  obliged  to  look  else- 
where for  the  necessary  site.  He  still  con- 
tinued, however,  to  carry  on  his  manufactory 
at  the  Brickhouse  Works,  which  had  for  some 
time  been  in  his  possession  as  tenant. 

Having  been  foiled  in  his  endeavors  to  con- 
fine his  pottery  works  to  Burslem,  he  made 
enquiries  for  an  estate  on  which  to  erect  im- 
proved buildings,  as  well  as  dwellings  for  him- 
self and  family,  and  for  his  Avork-people  and 
their  families.  He  had  no  desire  to  remove 
his  buildings  far  from  Burslem,  for  he  took  a 
great  interest  in  the  well-being  of  the  popula- 
tion. Being  greatly  attached  to  the  cause  of 
education,  he  subscribed  liberally  to  a public 
school,  and  he  never  ceased  to  devote  liimself 
to  the  opening  up  of  the  turnpike  roads  and 
canals  of  Staffordshire. 

At  length  he  fixed  his  mind  upon  a suitable 
estate  about  two  miles  from  Burslem,  nearly  in 
the  centre  of  the  potteries.  It  lay  near  the 
course  of  the  Grand  Trunk  Canal,  then  in 
course  of  survey  ; so  that  a branch  might  eas- 
ily be  constructed  to  bring  the  proposed  new 
works  into  communication  with  the  canal.  The 
place  was  originally  called  the  Ridgeliouse 
estate.  It  was  in  the  possession  of  a life- 
tenant,  and  the  reversion  was  with  a gentleman 


Founding  of  Etruria 


91 


then  in  Ireland.  With  his  usual  prompt  deci- 
sion Wedgwood  determined  immediately  to  put 
himself  into  communication  with  this  gentle- 
man, though  entirely  unknown  to  him.  He 
despatched  a confidential  professional  friend 
to  Ireland,  who  found  out  the  reversionary 
proprietor,  and  satisfactorily  completed  the 
purchase.  The  rent  was  changed  into  an  an- 
nuity for  the  life  of  the  tenant,  and  thus  imme- 
diate possession  of  the  estate  was  obtained. 

The  land  had  little  to  recommend  it  besides  the 
convenience  of  its  situation.  It  was  naturally 
an  unproductive  clayey  soil,  and  was  thought 
to  be  of  little  other  value  than  furnishing  clay 
for  the  use  of  the  potters.  But  the  spirit  and 
enterprise  of  Wedgwood  soon  altered  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  estate.  He  proceeded  to  build 
a large  manufactory  on  the  banks  of  the  pro- 
posed canal ; he  laid  out  the  grounds  with  great 
taste,  assisted  by  Capability  Brown  ; and  con- 
tiguous to  the  works  he  raised  a new  village 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  workmen  and 
their  families. 

What  was  the  place  to  be  called  ? With  the 
prospects  he  entertained,  his  skill  and  taste  in 
endeavoring  to  infuse  art  into  the  manufactures 
of  his  country,  and  his  intense  admiration  of 
the  vases  of  antiquity,  he  determined  to  call 
the  estate  and  its  buildings  Etruria,  after  the 
beautiful  works  of  the  famous  Etruscans.  In  the 
course  of  a few  years  this  formerly  barren  estate 


92 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


was  converted  into  a garden  of  beauty,  and  tlie 
manufactories  bnilt  thereon  became  the  sources 
of  works  of  art  which  did  so  much  for  the 
improvement  of  public  taste,  as  well  as  for  the 
extension  of  British  commerce. 

AVe  have  already  referred  to  the  accident  on 
the  road  to  Liverpool,  which  first  led  to  Wedg- 
wood’s acquaintance  with  Dr.  Turner,  and 
through  him  with  Bentley,  and  have  related 
how  the  friendship  thus  formed  rapidly  led  to 
an  almost  brotherly  intimacy.  When  Wedg- 
wood purchased  the  Ridgehouse  estate,  he 
urgently  requested  Bentley  to  come  over  to 
Bursleni  and  confer  with  him  and  his  wife  as 
to  the  laying  out  of  the  property. 

“ My  Sall}^”  wrote  Wedgwood  (15th  Septem- 
ber, l/GG),  “ says  jmur  fat  sides  require  a good 
deal  of  shaking,  and  she  would  recommend  a 
journey  on  horseback,  not  in  the  coach,  to  Burs- 
lem.  She  is  half  angry  with  me  for  coming 
home  without  you  ; but  your  last  letter  hath 
brought  her  into  a little  better  temper,  as  she 
expects  not  only  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you 
here  in  a little  time,  but  likewise  a jaunt  to 
Liverpool  in  consequence  of  your  visit.  Besides, 
she  will  not  fix  upon  a spot  for  either  house  or 
gardens,  nor  even  the  stables,  till  you  have 
viewed  and  given  your  opinion  of  the  prem- 
ises ; so  now,  my  dear  sir,  you  are  invited  to 
the  Ridgehouse  estate  in  the  quality  of  a Capa- 
bility Brown.” 


Partnership  with  Bentley 


93 


The  invitation  was  accepted,  but  Bentley 
did  not  “ shake  his  fat  sides  ” by  riding  on 
horseback,  but  by  using  the  machine,  or  coach. 
He  inspected  the  estate,  and  the  site  of  his 
probable  dwelling.  It  had  been  arranged 
toward  the  close  of  the  year  that  Bentley  was 
to  become  a partner  with  Wedgwood  in  a cer- 
tain portion  of  his  manufactures.  The  arrange- 
ment up  to  this  time  had  been  of  considerable 
advantage  to  Bentley  in  his  business  at  Liver- 
pool. Instead  of  being  a general  agent  he  now 
confined  himself  to  earthenware  only.  He 
superintended  the  import  of  clay  from  Dorset- 
shire, Cornwall,  and  Devonshire,  and  the  export 
of  Wedgwood’s  goods  to  America  and  other 
countries.  The  arrangement  between  the  two 
was  an  equal  division  of  the  profits  on  the 
earthenware  exports.  Bentley  took  a partner — 
James  Boardman — and  his  firm  was  after- 
ward known  as  that  of  Bentley  & Boardman. 

The  partnership  between  Wedgwood  and 
Bentley  took  place  shortly  after  Wedgwood’s 
letter  to  Bentley  (November,  1766),  which  was 
very  encouraging.  He  proposed  to  build  a 
house  for  Bentley  at  Etruria  ; but  he  said  that 
it  would  be  twelve  months  at  least  before  the 
works  could  be  built.  He  also  mentioned  the 
ornamental  works  that  Bentley  would  have  to 
superintend — vases  of  many  sorts,  toilet  furni- 
ture, elegant  tea-chests,  snuff-  and  other  boxes. 
“ If  all  these  good  things  should  fail  us,”  wrote 


94 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


AVetlgwoocl,  “I  hope  your  good  genius  will 
direct  us  in  the  choice  of  others.” 

Wedgwood  still  carried  on  assiduously  his 
experiments  on  the  raAV  materials  of  potteiy. 
It  will  readily  be  understood  that  a thorough 
knowledge  of  the  many  kinds  of  earth  upon 
the  surface  of  the  world  comprises  in  its  high- 
est sense  the  power  of  the  potter  over  his  clay. 
It  is  truly  the  groundwork  of  his  art.  Such 
knowledge  is  an  education  in  itself — the  knowl- 
edge of  clays,  how  they  will  bend,  and  how 
they  will  burn. 

Let  us  look  at  a few  of  the  records  concern- 
ing these  years,  and  see  what  kind  of  attention 
AVedgwood  gave  to  this  branch  of  his  work. 
He  possessed  himself,  at  no  small  expense,  of 
such  different  earths,  stones,  and  clays  in  this 
island  as  were  then  known  ; and  also  of  those 
that  could  be  procured  from  foreign  countries. 
L^pon  these  specimens  he  experimented,  ana- 
lyzing to  the  best  of  his  power  their  chemical 
"constituents,  and  testing  by  practical  experi- 
ment how  far  they  might  be  made  serviceable 
to  his  needs. 

The  results  of  his  experiments  were  duly 
registered  and  set  out  in  cabinets,  so  that  they 
could  be  referred  to  and  taken  up  for  use  at  any 
time.  It  may  be  added  that  the  specimens  left 
at  his  death  amounted  to  more  than  seven  thou- 
sand, arranged  in  classes  and  subdivisions  ac- 
cording to  the  purposes  they  were  capable  of 


Partnership  with  Bentley  95 

answering,  or  the  views  with  which  they  were 
made.  His  note-books  give  one  a fair  notion 
of  his  enterprise  in  this  direction.  They  con- 
tain long  extracts  from  both  English  and  Con- 
tinental authors  on  mineralogy.  Books  of 
travel  were  ransacked  to  observe  what  the  au- 
thors related  as  to  the  various  kinds  of  earth 
in  the  lands  they  had  visited  ; and  they  also 
contain  copious  extracts  from  English  topo- 
graphical works.  So  much  for  Wedgwood’s 
enterprise  and  industry  in  regard  to  earths  and 
clays. 

In  one  of  his  letters  to  Bentley,  with  whom 
he  became  more  and  more  familiar  in  his  com- 
munications, he  said  : “ The  fox-hunter  does 

not  enjoy  more  pleasure  from  the  chase  than  I 
do  from  the  prosecution  of  my  experiments 
when  I am  fairly  entered  into  the  held  ; and 
the  further  I go  the  wider  this  field  extends 
before  me.”  And  in  the  same  letter  he  says  ° 
“ I have  not  been  on  horseback  for  a week. 
This  morning  some  business  calls  me  from  my 
books  and  vases  and  trumpery  ; and  I am  very 
thankful  for  it,  for  I have  scarcely  power  of 
my  own  mere  motion  to  quit  my  present  pur- 
suits for  a few  hours.” 


CHAPTER  X 


ROADS  AND  CANALS  THROUGH  STAFFORDSHIRE 

We  have  had  frequent  occasion  to  allude  to 
the  roads,  or  the  absence  of  roads,  which  in 
those  days  existed  in  central  England,  to  the 
inconvenience  and  restriction  which  difficulty  of 
communication  imposed  upon  trade  and  manu- 
facture, and  to  the  eager  interest  which  Wedg- 
wood took  in  the  subject,  not  from  personal 
motives  alone,  hut  for  the  public  good. 

In  his  early  years  the  roads  of  Staffordshire 
were  no  better  than  those  of  England  generally. 
In  some  respects  they  were  _worse.  In  Dr. 
Plot’s  time  the  poor  cratemen  carried  the 
wares  on  their  backs  all  over  the  country.” 
The  people  were  as  rough  as  the  roads.  When 
Charles  AYesley  visited  South  Staffordshire  in 
1743,  he  records  his  visit  to  Walsall  as  follows  : 
‘‘The  street  was  full  of  fierce  Ephesian  beasts 
(the  principal  men  setting  them  on),  who  roared 
and  shouted,  and  threw  stones  incessantly.  At 
the  conclusion  a stream  of  ruffians  was  suffered 
to  beat  me  down  from  the  steps.  I rose,  and, 
having  given  the  blessing,  was  beat  down  again, 
and  so  a third  time.” 


Roads  and  Canals  through  Staffordshire  97 

We  have  already  related  how  his  elder 
brother,  John  Wesley,  was  received  at  Bnrslem 
a few  years  later  ; how  he  was  pelted  with  mud, 
and  had  no  one  to  protect  him  ; and  how  at 
Congleton  he  was  even  worse  received  than  at 
Burslera.  All  this,  as  Wesley  admitted,  was 
the  result  of  intense  ignorance.  There  had 
been  no  schools  for  the  rising  generation,  and 
consequently  no  education.  The  Midland  Coun- 
ties were  for  the  most  part  uncivilized,  and  still 
in  the  Dark  Ages. 

There  was  no  other  cure  for  it  than  by  open- 
ing up  the  district  by  better  roads  to  the  in- 
fluences of  civilization.  There  were  no  roads 
as  yet.  They  were  merely  lanes  or  trackways 
marked  by  upright  stones.  Arthur  Young,  on 
his  tour  in  the  North  of  England  in  1768,  de- 
scribes them  as  ‘^most  execrable”  and  ^‘in- 
fernal.” He  could  not  help  swearing  as  he 
passed  along  them  or  round  them.  The  lanes 
were  scarcely  sufficient  for  the  slumpering  along 
of  pack-horses,  let  alone  for  carts  or  carriages. 
The  people  of  Bnrslem  were  often  short  of  coal 
in  consequence  of  the  badness  of  the  ways. 
The  poor  horses,  though  urged  by  lashings 
could  not  drag  themselves  or  their  carts  through 
the  deep  mud.  They  often  fell,  upset  their  loads 
of -coal  or  crates  of  earthenware,  frequently 
broke  a leg,  and  had  to  be  shot  on  the  spot. 

The  inland  situation  of  Bnrslem,  with  its  few 
pottery  villages,  was  thus  exceedingly  incon- 
5 


98 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


veiiieiit.  While  the  potters  emploj^ed  only  the 
clays  ill  their  own  neighborhood,  and  their 
trade  was  of  but  small  extent,  their  situation 
was  tolerable  ; but  when  the  trade  increased,  and 
they  began  to  draw  their  heavy  raw  materials, — 
clays,  flint  stones,  and  porcelain  earth, — from 
remote  parts  of  the  kingdom,  and  to  send  back 
their  bulky  manufactured  goods  in  great  quan- 
tities, the  expenses  of  the  conveyance  and  re- 
conveyance, together  with  the  carriage  of  coal, 
became  a heavy  import  tax,  and  tended  to  retard 
the  consumption  of  stoneware  in  most  parts  of 
the  kingdom. 

To  redress  this  great  inconvenience  Wedg- 
wood endeavored  to  get  some  of  the  worst 
parts  of  the  roads  improved,  and  placed  in  con- 
nection with  the  adjoining  turnpike  roads.  A 
public  meeting  was  held  for  the  purpose,  but 
the  proposal  Avas  strongly  resisted.  When  it 
was  proposed  to  improve  the  chief  road  from 
Liverpool  to  the  potteries,  the  inhabitants  of 
Newcastle-under-Lyme  bitterly  opposed  it. 
The  innkeepers  believed  that  the  new  road 
would  take  the  drinking  and  other  traffic  away 
from  their  town. 

When  Wedgwood  first  proposed,  at  a public 
meeting  at  Burslem,  to  make  four  miles  of  road 
from  that  village  toward  Liverpool,  he  could 
not  carry  his  resolution.  Yet  the  road  or  lane, 
in  its  then  state,  was  so  bad  that  the  common 
carriers  used  to  make  the  distance  double  by 


Hoads  and  Canals  through  Staffordshire  99 

making  a wide  circuit  so  as  to  get  round  the 
muddy  holes  and  ruts,  and  avoid  miscarriages 
and  upsets  during  their  journey.  The  old  and 
stupid  objection  was  brought  up  by  the  oppo- 
nents : “ Why,  the  road  has  served  us  and  our 

fathers  for  many  generations,  and  it  will  con- 
tinue to  serve  us  still.” 

But  Wedgwood  had  the  sterling  gift  of  per- 
severance. He  continued  to  urge  the  necessity 
of  opening  up  the  country  by  means  of  new 
communications.  He  possessed  a clear  and 
forcible  manner  of  expressing  his  thoughts,  and 
slowly  and  by  degrees  he  produced  conviction 
in  others,  until  at  length  he  carried  his  point, 
and  benefited  those  who  had  been  most  persist- 
ently opposed  to  him.  He  was  aided  also  by 
men  of  rank  and  character,  who  espoused  his 
cause  ; and  in  the  course  of  a few  j^ears  an  act 
of  Parliament  was  obtained  to  make  a turnpike 
road,  though  only  to  a limited  extent,  and  also 
to  improve  the  paving  of  the  pottery  villages. 
In  course  of  time,  as  the  advantage  of  the  new 
roads  began  to  be  ascertained,  other  turnpikes 
were  successfully  established  wherever  they 
were  found  to  be  necessary. 

The  inland  situation  of  Burslem  and  the  pot- 
tery villages  was  more  and  more  felt  as  the 
trade  of  the  country  increased.  The  great 
ports  most  commodious  for  Burslem  were 
Liverpool,  Bristol,  and  Hull.  Liverpool  was  the 
nearest.  Goods  for  that  port  had  a land  car- 


100 


Josiah  Wedgivood 


riage  of  eighteen  miles  to  the  nearest  part  of 
tlie  River  Mersey.  Goods  for  Bristol  v^ere  car- 
ried by  land  to  Bridgnorth,  about  forty  miles  ; 
and  to  Willington  on  the  Trent,  where  the 
navigation  to  Hull  began,  about  the  same 
distance.  It  soon  became  clear  to  the  obser- 
vant and  comprehensive  mind  of  Wedgwood 
how  infinitely  convenient  it  would  be  to  have 
an  inland  navigation  established  to  bring  Burs- 
lern  and  the  pottery  villages  in  connection  with 
Liverpool,  the  nearest  port. 

The  idea  of  such  a navigation  liad  lono-  been 

o o 

mooted  ; but  it  was  not  until  the  Duke  of 
Bridgewater  had  constructed  and  opened  his 
canal  between  Worsley  and  Manchester,  in  July, 
1V61,  that  active  measures  began  to  be  adopted 
to  set  on  foot  the  proposed  new  navigation 
through  the  potteries.  Wedgwood  was  the 
leading  spirit,  together  with  his  friend  Brind- 
ley, the  engineer. 

Wedgwood  had  known  Brindley  for  some 
time.  He  had  known  him  as  a millwri  giit,  me- 
chanic, mine-drainer,  and  tunnel-maker  ; in- 
deed, Brindley  was  so  ready  to  undertake  any 
kind  of  work  that  he  was  generall}"  known  as 
“ The  Schemer.”  Among  his  various  construc- 
tions was  that  of  a mill  near  Burslem  for  the 
purpose  of  grinding  flint — so  much  used  by  the 
potters  for  the  manufacture  of  white  ware.  He 
had  been  informed  of  the  distressing  conse- 
quences to  the  workmen  of  inhaling  the  fine 


Roads  and  Canals  through  Staffordshire  101 

particles  of  dry  flint  ; so  that,  in  constructing 
the  flint  mill  for  John  Wedgwood  at  the  Jen- 
kins’s, he  suggested  that  the  flints  should  be 
ground  in  water.  This  was  done,  and  the  re- 
sult was  that  waste  was  prevented,  the  opera- 
tion of  grinding  was  facilitated,  and  the  purity 
of  the  air  was  preserved  to  the  advantage  of 
the  work-people. 

Brindley  was  thus  brought  into  direct  con- 
nection with  the  Wedgwoods  of  Burslem  ; and 
when  the  contemplated  inland  navigation 
through  the  potteries  was  proposed,  it  was  nat- 
ural that  James  Brindley  and  Josiah  Wedg- 
wood should  be  brought  into  close  communica- 
tion. The  manner  in  which  Brindley  had  con- 
quered the  difficulties  of  the  duke’s  canal,  and 
successfully  accomplished  the  erection  of  his 
“ Castle  in  the  Air,” — that  is,  the  crossing  of 
the  Irwell  by  the  Barton  Viaduct, — led  to  his 
being  proposed  as  the  only  possible  engineer 
for  the  new  Staffordshire  canal.* 

The  opening  of  a water  communication 
through  the  potteries  had  long  been  the  subject 
of  discussion,  and  a survey  was  made  by  Brind- 
ley in  1760  at  the  expense  of  Earl  Gower  and 
Lord  Anson  ; but  many  years  elapsed  before 
any  thing  practical  was  attempted.  The  first 
public  movement  in  support  of  Brindley’s  sur- 
vey occurred  in  December,  1765,  when  an  open 

*The  full  account  of  Brindley  is  given  in  “Lives  of 
the  Engineers,”  vol.  i. 


102 


Josiah  Wedgtoood 


air  meeting  was  held  at  AYolseley  Bridge.  Earl 
Gower,  Lord  Lieutenant  of  the  county,  occu- 
pied the  chair  ; and  Lord  Grey,  and  Mr.  Bagot, 
Mr.  Anson,  J\[r.  Gilbert,  Mr.  Wedgwood,  and 
many  more,  w^ere  present.  Brindley  submitted 
his  plans.  They  were  fully  discussed  and  finally 
adopted  ; and  it  was  resolved  that  a bill  should 
be  applied  for  in  the  next  session  of  Parlia- 
ment to  obtain  powers  to  construct  a canal 
from  the  Mersey  to  the  Trent.  Wedgwood, 
with  his  usual  generosity,  subscribed  one  thou- 
sand pounds  toward  the  preliminary  expenses, 
and  also  promised  to  subscribe  largely  for 
shares  in  the  undertaking. 

The  principal  promoters  of  the  measure  pro- 
posed to  designate  the  work  as  “ Tlie  Canal 
from  the  Trent  to  the  Mersey,”  but  Brindley, 
with  sagacious  foresight,  urged  that  it  should 
be  called  “The  Grand  Trunk  Canal,”  because, 
in  his  judgment,  numerous  other  canals  would 
eventually  branch  out  from  it  at  various  points 
of  its  course,  just  as  the  arteries  of  the  human 
sj^stem  branch  out  from  the  aorta.  Brindley’s 
views  were  adopted,  and  before  many  years  had 
passed  his  anticipations  were  fully  realized. 

The  Staffordshire  potters  were  greatly  de- 
lighted with  the  decision  of  the  public  meet- 
ing, and  on  the  following  evening  they  assem- 
bled round  a large  bonfire  at  Burslem,  Avhere 
they  wished  every  prosperity  to  the  Grand 
Trunk  Canal,  and  drank  the  health  of  Earl 


Roads  and  Canals  through  Staffordshire  103 


Gower,  Mr,  Wedgwood,  Mr.  Gilbert,  and  the 
other  promoters  of  the  scheme,  with  fervent 
demonstrations  of  jo}^ 

Of  course  the  proposal  to  make  a canal 
through  the  potteries  was  bitterly  o]3posed. 
Brindley’s  Grand  Trunk  line  was  intended  to 
join  the  Duke  of  Bridgewater’s  canal  at  Pres- 
ton-on-the-Hill,  not  far  from  Runcorn.  As  the 
duke  was  desirous  of  placing  his  navigation  in 
connection  with  the  Cheshire  wiches  and  the 
Staffordshire  potteries,  and  already  had  been 
at  the  expense  of  making  a preliminary  survey, 
he  at  once  threw  the  whole  weight  of  his  sup- 
port on  the  side  of  Brindley’s  Grand  Trunk 
Canal. 

The  owners  of  the  River  Weaver  hfavigation 
Company  were  the  principal  opponents  of  the 
measure.  They  held  that  the  new  scheme  would 
place  a monopoly  of  the  Cheshire  and  Stafford- 
shire traffic  in  the  hands  of  the  duke  ; though 
they  concealed  the  fact  that  their  opposition 
to  the  Grand  Trunk  would  ^continue  their  own 
monopoly  in  the  hands  of  the  River  Weaver 
Canal  Company,  whose  navigation,  so  far  as  it 
went,  was  tedious,  irregular,  and  expensive. 
Both  parties  mustered  their  forces  for  a Parlia- 
mentary struggle.  Wedgwood,  with  his  usual 
enthusiasm,  entered  the  lists  as  a pamphleteer, 
and  in  conjunction  with  Bentley  of  Liverpool, 
afterward  his  partner,  published  an  able  state- 
ment, showing  the  advantages  likely  to  be  de- 


104 


JosiaJi  Wedgioood 


rived  from  the  construction  of  the  proposed 
new  canal.  This  pamphlet  was  circulated  by 
thousands.^ 

In  the  course  of  his  correspondence  with 
Bentley,  Wedgwood  wrote  to  him  from  Lou- 
den about  certain  corrections  and  alterations 
which  he  had  made  in  the  pamphlet : “Must 
the  uniting  of  seas  and  distant  countries  depend 
upon  the  choice  of  a phrase  or  monosyllable  ? 
Away  Avith  such  hypercriticisms  ! Let  the 
press  go  on.  A pamphlet  Ave  must  have,  or  our 
design  may  be  defeated.  So  make  the  best  of 
the  present ; and  correct,  refine,  and  sublimate, 
if  you  please,  in  the  next  edition.” 

The  opponents  of  the  measure  also  held  their 
meetings  and  published  their  pamphlets.  Brind- 
le3^’s  plan  Avas,  on  the  Avhole,  considered  the 
best.  The  Grand  Trunk  Avould  pass  through 
important  districts  greatl}^  in  need  of  improved 
communication  Avith  the  port  of  Liverjoool  on 
the  one  hand,  and  Avitli  Hull  on  the  other.  The 
principal  difficulty  Avas  in  getting  over  or 
througli  the  summit  at  Harecastle.  It  Avas 
alleged  by  the  opponents  of  the  measure  that 
the  long  tunnel  at  that  point,  or  the  immense 
series  of  locks,  Avas  a mere  “chimerical  idea,” 
and  could  never  be  carried  into  effect.  Brind- 
ley, hoAvever,  insisted  that,  if  the  necessary 

* “ A VicAV  of  the  Advantages  of  Inland  Navigation, 
witli  a Plan  of  a Navigable  Canal  Intended  for  a Com- 
munication between  the  Ports  of  Liverpool  and  Hull.” 


Hoads  and  Canals  through  Staffordshire  105 

powers  were  granted,  lie  would  certainly  drive 
the  tunnel  through  the  hill.  His  idea  was  to 
make  as  long  stretches  of  flat  canal  as  possible  ; 
just  as  George  Stephenson  afterward,  before 
the  powers  of  the  locomotive  had  been  fully 
developed,  preferred  to  go  round  a hill  rather 
than  surmount  it  or  tunnel  under  it.  Brindley 
avoided  rivers  as  much  as  possible.  He  likened 
water  in  a river  to  a furious  giant  running  down 
and  overturning  every  thing  ; whereas,  “if  you 
lay  the  giant  flat  upon  his  back,  he  lost  all  his 
force,  and  became  completely  passive,  whatever 
his  size  might  be.” 

It  is  quite  unnecessary  to  describe  the  Parlia- 
mentary contest  on  the  Grand  Trunk  bill. 
Wedgwood,  in  spite  of  his  many  important 
avocations, — his  purchase  of  Etruria,  his  busi- 
ness in  Liverpool  and  London,  and  the  manage- 
ment of  his  works  at  Burslem, — often  went  to 
London  to  give  his  evidence  in  support  of  the 
measure  ; and  most  of  the  landed  gentlemen  of 
his  neighborhood  appeared  on  the  same  side. 

At  length,  after  prolonged  opposition,  the 
Grand  Trunk  bill  was  passed,  first  through  the 
Commons,  then  through  the  Lords,  and  on  the 
14th  of  May,  1766,  it  received  the  royal  assent, 
and  became  an  Act  of  Parliament.  About  the 
same  time  another  important  act  was  passed 
empowering  the  construction  of  the  Wolver- 
hampton Canal  from  the  River  Trent  near  Ha}"- 
wood  Mill  and  the  River  Severn  near  Bewdley, 


lOG 


Josiah  Weclgioood 


thus  iiiiitino:  the  navigation  of  the  three  rivers 
wh'ich  liad  their  termini  at  the  ports  of  Liver- 
pool, Hull,  and  Bristol,  on  the  opposite  sides  of 
the  island. 

Of  course  there  were  great  rejoicings  at  Burs- 
lem  on  the  triumph  of  Brindley,  Wedgwood, 
and  their  friends.  Shortly  after  the  passing  of 
the  act,  on  the  26th  of  July,  1766,  a general 
holiday  was  held  at  Burslem  and  the  neighbor- 
ing pottery  villages.  The  first  sod  of  the  new 
canal  was  dug  by  Josiah  Wedgwood  on  the 
declivity  of  Brownhills.  It  was  placed  in  a 
barrow  close  at  hand,  and,  AVedgwood  being 
lame,  it  was  wheeled  away  by  Brindley  amid 
deafening  cheers.  A barrel  of  old  Staffordshire 
ale  was  broached,  and  the  healths  of  Earl 
Gower,  Lord  Anson,  Lord  Grey,  and  others 
were  drunk  ; and  Mr.  Wedgwood  was  thanked, 
in  the  name  of  the  assembled  potters,  for  his 
indefatigable  services  in  the  cause.  Lunches 
and  dinners  followed.  Mrs.  AYedgwood  enter- 
tained many  guests.  In  the  afternoon  a sheep 
was  roasted  whole  for  the  benefit  of  the  poorer 
potters.  After  sunset  bonfires  were  lighted  in 
various  parts  of  Burslem.  A feu  de  joie  was 
fired  in  front  of  AYedgwood’s  house,  and  sundry 
other  demonstrations  of  rejoicing  wound  up 
the  day’s  proceedings. 

At  a meeting  of  the  proprietors  of  the  canal, 
Mr.  AYedgwood  was  unanimously  appointed 
treasurer  of  the  undertaking.  This  was  a great 


Roads  and  Canals  through  Staffordshire  107 

honor.  It  proved  the  estimation  in  which  he 
was  held  by  those  who  knew  him  best,  and  the 
faith  reposed  in  liis  spotless  integrit3^  At  a 
future  meeting  of  the  company  the  salaries  of 
the  officers  were  fixed  ; £200  per  annum  was 
the  salary  of  James  Brindley,  the  surveyor-gen- 
eral of  the  undertaking — very  different  indeed 
from  the  salaries  paid  to  engineers  nowadays. 
The  committee  ordered  150  guineas  to  be  paid 
to  Wedgwood,  and  £90  to  Bentley,  besides  a 
balance  which  remained  in  his  hands,  for  the 
printing,  publishing,  and  distribution  of  the 
l^amphlets  in  support  of  the  undertaking. 

Wedgwood  had  the  greatest  possible  admira- 
tion for  Brindley.  He  wrote  to  Bentley  in 
March,  1767:  ‘‘I  am  afraid  Brindley  is  en- 
deavoring to  do  too  much,  and  that  he  will 
leave  us  before  his  vast  designs  are  accom- 
plished. He  is  so  incessantly  harassed  on  every 
side  that  he  hath  no  rest  for  either  mind  or 
body,  and  will  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  take 
proper  care  of  his  health.” 

And  again,  in  March,  1768,  he  wrote  to  Bent- 
ley : “ Mr.  Brindley  and  his  lady  called  here  on 
their  way  home.  They  spent  the  day  with  us 
and  have  just  left  this  morning.  We,  my  wife 
and  myself,  are  to  spend  to-morrow  with  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Brindley  at  Hewchapel  ; and  as  I 
always  edify  full  as  much  in  that  man’s  com- 
pany as  at  church,  I j^rornise  myself  to  be  much 
wiser  the  day  following.  It  is  an  old  adage 


108 


Josiah  WecJgioood 


that  a man  is  either  a fool  or  a physician  at 
fifty,  and,  considering  the  opportunities  I liave 
had  with  the  Brindleys  and  Bentleys  of  the 
age,  if  I am  not  a very  wise  mortal  before  that 
time,  I must  be  a veritable  blockhead  in  grain.” 

In  ansAver  to  a letter  of  Bentley’s  on  project- 
ors in  March,  1767,  Wedgwood  replied:  “I 
most  cordially  join  in  your  benevolent  senti- 
ments respecting  projectors,  but  do  not  alloAv 
either  of  your  exceptions,  for  I think  Mr.  Brind- 
ley The  Great.  The  fortunate,  money-get- 
ting Brindley  may  be  an  object  of  pity  and  a 
real  sufferer  for  the  benefit  of  the  public.  He 
may  get  a feAv  thousands,  but  what  does  he  give 
in  exchange  ? His  healthy  and  I fear  his  life, 
too,  unless  he  grows  wiser,  and  takes  the  advice 
of  his  friends  before  it  is  too  late.* 

“The  other  projector  [Wedgwood  himself] 
you  are  pleased  to  compliment  Avith  an  excep- 
tion is  very  sensible  of  hoAV  much  he  OAves  to 
your  partiality,  but  he  is  in  no  danger  of  mak- 
ing a plunh,  or  Avhat  Avould  be  esteemed  a 
fortune  by  any  other  than  a little  country 
manufacturer  ; and  as  to  his  projections, — those 
at  least  that  are  sacred  to  Mammon, — he  Avould 
rather  not  hear  them  named  seriously.  Do  you 
think,  my  friend,  that  the  outline  of  a jug 
(even  a Bolingbroke)  or  the  fine  turn  of  a tea- 
pot are  synonj^mous  Avith  the  creating  of  a 

* Wedgwood  was  right.  Brindley  died  of  diabetes  at 
the  comparatively  early  age  of  fifty-six. 


Roads  and  Cancds  through  Staffordshire  109 

canal  or  the  building  of  a city  ? ISTo,  no  ! ray 
friend  ; let  ns  speak  softly,  or  rather  be  silent, 
on  such  fribbling  performances.  Your  friend 
shall  endeavor  to  please  the  ladies  for  the  good 
of  his  family  and  friends,  but  he  must  not  be 
vain  of  such  trifles  or  mistake  them  for  great 
actions.” 

The  committee  of  the  canal  company,  at  one 
of  their  first  meetings,  ordered  that  the  works 
should  at  once  be  proceeded  with  at  both  ends 
of  the  Harecastle  Tunnel  and  also  at  Wilden 
Ferry.  But  many  years  passed  before  the 
Harecastle  Tunnel  was  finished.  Brindley  died 
at  the  age  of  fifty-six,  and  the  works  were  con- 
tinued and  finished  by  his  brother-in-law,  Hen- 
shall.  Harecastle  Tunnel  was  not  opened  until 
1777 — -that  is,  it  had  been  no  less  than  eleven 
years  in  construction. 

At  the  same  time  it  must  be  said  that  the 
Grand  Trunk  Canal  was  the  most  formidable 
undertaking  that  had  up  to  that  time  been  con- 
structed in  England.  Its  whole  length,  includ- 
ing the  junctions  with  the  Birmingham  Canal 
and  the  Hiver  Severn,  was  139|-  miles.  Wedg- 
wood stuck  closely  to  the  canal  during  its  long 
progress.  Hone  knew  better  than  he  the  diffi- 
culties occasioned  to  the  commerce  of  Stafford- 
shire by  the  defective  communications  by  road 
and  canal  to  the  ports  of  Liverpool  and  Hull; 
and  none  rejoiced  more  strongly  than  he  did  on 
the  final  completion  of  the  works. 


110 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


He  had  by  this  time  bought  and  built  Etruria, 
and  brought  a branch  of  the  canal  to  an  adjoin- 
ing platform  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
boats  and  the  transport  of  his  goods.  He  had 
removed  his  manufactory  thither  from  Burslem, 
partially  in  1769,  and  wholly  in  1771,  before  the 
construction  of  the  canal  had  been  completed. 

And  now  Ave  must  follow  his  career  into  an 
entirely  new  branch  of  his  undertaking. 


CHAPTER  XI 


IMPEOVEMENT  OF  MODELS — CHEMISTRY 

Mr.  Wedgwood,  having  now  firmly  estab- 
lished the  mamifactiire  of  queen’s  ware,  and 
vigorously  assisted  in  the  organization  of  the 
Grand  Trunk  Canal,  felt  it  necessary  to  attend 
to  his  own  special  business.  He  was  still 
anxious  to  devote  himself  to  the  study  of  chem- 
istry as  applied  to  clays  and  mineral  substances, 
Avith  a view  to  the  production  of  a higher  class 
of  goods.  His  cousin  Thomas,  who  had  been 
foreman  in  his  manufactory,  attended  to  his 
London  business,  and  became  a partner  in  the 
sale  of  his  useful  class  of  goods. 

Josiah  Wedgwood  proceeded  Avith  great  in- 
dustry in  the  study  of  chemistry.  In  the  course 
of  time  he  produced  a number  of  different  kinds 
of  Avare  unknown  before,  and  which  soon  gained 
for  him  a lasting  and  honorable  fame.  The 
queen’s  Avare  Avas  greatly  improved,  and  event- 
ually caused  an  immense  demand,  not  only  in 
England,  but  throughout  the  Continent.  This 
Avare  Avas  composed  of  the  Avhitest  clays  from 
Devonshire,  Dorsetshire,  and  Corn  Avail.  It  Avas 
mixed  with  a due  proportion  of  ground  flint. 


112 


Josiali  WedgiDOod 


The  pieces  were  fired  twice,  and  the  glaze  was 
applied  after  the  first  firing,  in  the  same  manner 
as  on  porcelain.  The  glaze  was  a vitreous  com- 
position of  flint  and  other  white  earthy  bodies, 
with  an  addition  of  white  lead  for  the  flux 
analogous  to  common  flint  glass;  so  that  when 
prepared  in  perfection  the  ware  might  be  con- 
sidered as  coated  over  with  real  flint  glass. 

The  entirely  new  pieces  of  earthenware  and 
porcelain  which  Wedgwood  produced,  as  the 
result  of  his  chemical  investigations,  were  the 
following  : 

1.  A Terra-Cotta^  resembling  porphyry, 
Egyptian  pebble,  and  other  beautiful  stones 
of  the  silicious  or  crystalline  order. 

2.  Tasaltes  or  Egyptian^  a black  porcelain 
biscuit  of  nearly  the  same  properties  with  the 
natural  stone.  It  bears  without  injury  a strong 
fire,  stronger,  indeed,  than  the  basalt  itself. 

3.  White  Porcelain  Biscuit,  of  a smooth, 
wax-like  surface,  of  the  same  properties  as  the 
preceding,  except  in  what  depends  upon  color. 

4.  Jasper,  a white  porcelain  biscuit,  of  ex- 
quisite beauty  and  delicacy,  possessing  the  gen- 
eral properties  of  the  preceding,  together  with 
the  singular  one  of  receiving  through  the  wliole 
substance,  from  the  admixture  of  metallic  calces 
with  the  other  ingredients,  the  same  colors 
which  tliose  calces  communicate  to  glasses  or 
enamels  in  fusion,  a property  which  no  other 
porcelain  or  earthenware  body  of  ancient  or 


Improvement  of  Models — Chemistry  113 


modern  times  lias  been  found  to  possess.  This 
renders  it  peculiarly  fit  for  cameos,  portraits, 
and  all  subjects  in  bas-relief,  as  the  ground  may 
be  of  any  peculiar  color,  while  the  raised  figures 
are  of  a pure  white. 

5.  Bamboo,  a cane-colored  biscuit  porcelain 
of  the  same  nature  as  ISTo.  3. 

6.  A Porcelain  Biscuit,  remarkable  for  its 
great  hardness,  little  inferior  to  that  of  agate. 
This  property,  together  with  its  resistance  to 
the  strongest  acids  and  corrosives,  and  its  im- 
penetrability by  every  known  liquid,  adapts  it 
for  the  mortars  of  druggists  and  chemists,  and 
many  different  kinds  of  chemical  vessels. 

These  six  distinct  kinds  of  manufactures, 
together  with  the  queen’s  ware  already  men- 
tioned, were  developed  by  the  ingenuity  and 
industry  of  the  different  manufacturers  into  an 
infinity  of  forms,  both  for  ornament  and  use, 
variously  painted  and  embellished.  These  con- 
stitute nearly  the  whole  of  the  fine  earthenware 
and  porcelains  which  have  by  this  time  become 
the  source  of  a very  extensive  trade,  and  which, 
considered  as  an  object  of  national  art,  industry, 
and  commerce,  may  be  ranked  as  among  the 
most  important  manufactures  of  the  kingdom. 

When  Wedgwood  finally  entered  into  his 
partnership  with  Bentle}^  it  was  intended  that 
the  latter  should  fix  his  abode  at  Etruria  for 
purposes  of  convenience,  and  the  erection  of  a 
house  was  begun  for  him  after  a design  of  his 


114 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


own,  but  before  it  was  finished  it  was  judged 
best  that  lie  should  reside  in  London,  and  take 
charge  of  the  warehouse  which  Wedgwood  had 
found  it  necessary  to  establish  there  a few 
years  before.  A house  was  then  taken  for 
Bentley  at  Chelsea,  near  the  Chelsea  China 
Works,  where  Wedgwood  established  works  of 
his  own  which  his  new  partner  superintended. 

The  queen’s  potter  was  probably  the  first 
person  in  this  country  who  conceived  the  de- 
sign, already  hinted  at,  of  leading  the  public 
mind  to  the  contemplation  of  the  arts  of  an- 
tiquity, and  of  diffusing  and  perpetuating  their 
glorious  works  by  multiplying  copies  of  them, 
just  as  literature  has  been  diffused  by  the  print- 
ing-press. The  correct  taste  and  the  accuracy 
of  discrimination  which  Wedgwood  had  already 
shown,  and  which  had  been  improved  by  his 
study  of  the  ancient  Greek  works,  and  the  ex- 
treme perseverance  of  his  chemical  researches, 
which  enabled  him  to  discover  the  black  basaltes, 
the  variegated  terra-cotta,  the  white,  wax-like 
porcelain,  and  other  substances,  and  the  purpose 
to  which  he  applied  them,  soon  caught  the  pub- 
lic eye,  and  occasioned  a rapid  demand  for  his 
productions  in  the  artistic  line.  Though  many 
scientific  potters  may  have  since  excelled  Wedg- 
wood, having  his  formulas  to  direct  and  guide 
them,  he  alone  must  be  considered  as  the 
oieer  of  artistic  pottery  in  England. 

He  was  enabled  to  carry  his  designs  into 


Impro  vement  of  Mo  dels  — Ch  em  istry  1 1 5 

effect  by  the  liberal  and  patriotic  disposition  of 
the  nobility  and  gentry,  who  opened  their  cabi- 
nets to  his  uses,  and  permitted  him  to  make 
copies  of  the  fine  pieces  of  work  which  they  had 
purchased  in  the  course  of  their  travels  in  foreign 
countries.  ‘‘I  have  been  three  days  hard  and 
close  at  work,”  Wedgwood  wrote  to  Bentley  in 
October,  17Q5,  “taking  patterns  from  a set  of 
French  china  at  the  Duke  of  Bedford’s,  worth  at 
least  fifteen  hundred  pounds — the  most  elegant 
things  I have  ever  seen  ; and  I am  this  even- 
ing to  wait  and  be  waited  on  by  designers  and 
modellers.” 

The  artists  of  various  kinds  whom  Wedg- 
wood employed  were  very  numerous.  When- 
ever he  found  a young  man  with  artistic  taste, 
he  took  him  up,  and  helped  him  forward.  He 
even  founded  a school  for  the  instruction  of 
young  men  and  women  in  drawing,  painting, 
and  modelling. 

Coward  seems  to  have  been  one  of  the  earliest 
artists  employed  by  Wedgwood.  In  ISTovem- 
ber,  1765,  we  find  him  writing  to  his  brother  in 
London  to  send  to  Burslem  Coward’s  carvings 
of  “ Ich  Dien  ” for  the  queen’s  service  ; “ Satyr’s 
Head  ” and  “ Laurel  Festoons  ” for  Lady  Hol- 
land ; and  “Swan’s  Head  ” and  handles  for  Lord 
Rockingham’s  vase.  Ornaments  of  various 
kinds  were  required  from  Coward  for  orders 
from  Lord  March,  the  Duke  of  FTorthumber- 
land.  Lord  Coventry,  the  Duke  of  Montagu, 


IIG 


Josiah  'Wedgwood 


Sir  T.  Gascoigne,  and  others.  It  may  be  men- 
tioned that  Coward,  in  conjunction  with  Hos- 
kins, modelled  from  the  antique  the 
or  Sleeping  Boy,”  one  of  the  finest  and  largest 
works  ever  executed  for  Wedgwood.  Coward 
was  found  so  useful  that,  while  other  artists 
were  paid  so  much  for  executing  a piece 
of  work.  Coward  was  permanently  retained 
by  Wedgwood  at  two  hundred  pounds  per 
annum. 

John  Bacon,  afterward  the  famous  sculptor, 
was  another  of  Wedgwood’s  principal  artists  at 
one  period  of  his  life.  Bacon  was  originally  a 
cloth-worker  with  his  father,  but,  showing  a 
taste  for  drawing  and  designing,  he  determined 
to  follow  the  bent  of  his  genius.  “ Happiness,” 
he  said  to  himself  when  a youth,  “ is  in  every 
man’s  ])ower  who  can  learn  to  discipline  his 
own  mind,” — a bold  but  true  thought, — and  on 
this  plan  he  made  a philosophical  attempt  to 
secure  his  own  happiness. 

When  about  fourteen  years  of  age.  Bacon 
apprenticed  himself  to  one  Crispe  of  Bow 
Churclnmrd,  an  eminent  maker  of  porcelain. 
His  master  observed  his  talents  as  a designer, 
and  thus  Bacon  was  soon  promoted  by  his  em- 
ployer. Bacon  learned  under  him  not  only 
drawing,  but  modelling.  He  also  painted  fig- 
ures on  plates  and  dishes.  At  that  early  age 
this  helpful  fellow  principally  supported  his 
parents  by  the  produce  of  his  labors. 


Improvement  of  3fodels — Chemistry  117 

Bacon  became  fascinated  by  the  pursuit  of 
modelling.  His  models  were  sent  to  the  pot- 
tery furnace  in  Lambeth  to  be  fired.  With  a 
hopeful  and  willing  spirit  his  work  gradually 
improved.  His  ambition  was  stimulated,  and 
he  gave  all  his  leisure  hours  to  his  new  pursuit. 
He  next  proceeded  to  discipline  his  hand  and 
eye  in  the  severe  school  of  sculpture.  With 
such  determination  lie  could  not  but  succeed  ; 
and,  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  he  presented  his 
first  model  in  clay  to  the  Society  of  Arts,  for 
which  he  received  a premium  of  ten  guineas. 

Bacon  continued  to  labor  in  the  pottery  shop 
of  Crispe  for  some  years,  gathering  knowledge 
and  experience.  One  of  his  first  successful 
efforts  was  a small  figure  of  Peace,  after  the 
antique  style.  He  modelled  some  eight  works 
for  the  Society  of  Arts,  for  Avhich  he  received 
premiums— for  one,  a human  figure  as  large  as 
life,  a premium  of  as  much  as  £52  10s. 

He  removed  from  Crispe’s  workshop  and  be- 
came a successful  laborer  in  Coade’s  Artificial 
Stone  Manufactory,  in  Lambeth,  shortly  after 
its  establishment  in  1769.  It  must  have  been 
about  this  time,  Avhen  he  was  looking  out  for 
a new  employer,  that  Wedgwood  became  ac- 
quainted with  him,  and  employed  him  on  his 
new  cameos  and  intaglios,  Avhich  so  greatly 
enhanced  the  reputation  of  his  firm. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  follow  the  further  career 
of  John  Bacon  ; but  it  may  be  mentioned  that 


118 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


when  the  Royal  Acacleni}^  was  instituted  Bacon 
was  twenty-eight  years  old,  and  in  the  year 
1769  he  had  tlie  honor  of  receiving  from  the 
hands  of  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds  the  first  gold 
medal  ever  given  for  sculpture  by  the  Ro3’al 
Academy.  Tlie  subject  was  ^neas  bearing 
Anchises  from  the  burning  of  Troy.  After 
this  his  reputation  became  distinguished  ; and 
his  works  are  still  famous.  His  statue  of  Mars 
was  copied  in  a reduced  form  by  Wedgwood, 
and  still  remains  one  of  his  finest  intaglios. 

Bacon  supplied  Wedgwood  with  many  other 
models  — among  others,  with  Apollo  and 
Daphne,  and  several  important  patterns  of 
vases  and  candelabra.  He  enamelled  for 
Wedgwood  a reduced  copy  of  the  bas-relief 
for  which  he  had  gained  the  gold  medal  of  the 
Royal  Academy.  This  was  beautifully  exe- 
cuted in  jasper. 

One  of  Wedgwood’s  cleverest  artists  was 
James  Tassie.  Born  at  Glasgow,  he  was  orig- 
inally destined  for  the  business  of  a stone- 
mason. Going  to  Dublin  in  search  of  employ- 
ment, he  wms  brought  into  connection  with  Dr. 
Quin,  tlie  physician,  whose  liobb}^  was  the  imi- 
tation of  gems  in  colored  glass  or  paste.  Dr. 
Quin  engaged  Tassie,  and  by  their  united  labors 
great  improvements  were  effected  in  that  art. 
Tassie  w^as  encouraged  by  his  patron  to  proceed 
to  London  to  follow  this  art  as  his  profession, 
and  although  he  had  many  difficulties  to 


Improvement  of  3Iodels — Chemistry  119 

encounter,  owing  to  his  extreme  diffidence,  lie 
eventually  emerged  from  obscurity  and  estab- 
lished such  a reputation  that  the  principal  cab- 
inets of  Europe  were  thrown  open  to  him.  In 
176V  he  obtained  a prize  of  ten  guineas  for  his 
imitation  of  an  ancient  onyx.  He  modelled 
gems  and  cameos  for  Wedgwood,  and  his  works 
were  always  admired  for  their  brightness  and 
beauty.  One  of  his  finest  heads  was  that  of 
James  Watt  in  wax.  The  author  possessed  one 
of  them,  a wonderful  piece  of  work  for  delicacy 
and  accuracy. 

John  Voyez  was  an  excellent  carver  and 
enameller.  Wedgwood  was  at  the  expense  of 
removing  him  and  his  Avife  from  London  to 
Burslern,  and  there  he  Avorked  under  his  mas-  ‘ 
ter’s  eye,  executing  some  beautiful  bas-reliefs. 
But  Voyez’s  morals  Avere  not  equal  to  his  artis- 
tic work.  Under  the  influence  of  driuk  he 
committed  some  crime,  for  Avhich  the  magis- 
trates sentenced  him  to  be  Avhipped  Avith  a cat- 
o’-nine-tails,  and  imprisoned  for  three  months. 
Yet  the  kind  and  forgiving  WedgAVOod,  after 
his  release,  resolved  to  give  him  another  chance. 
He  again  took  him  into  his  employment  at  the 
Avage  of  tAVO  pounds  a week.  But  badness  must 
have  been  rooted  in  Yoyez’s  nature.  He  Avas 
found  betraying  WedgAvood’s  secrets  to  one  of 
his  competitors  ; and  eventually  he  fled  from 
Burslern,  involved  in  debt. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  enumerate  all  the  artists 


120 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


that  worked  for  Wedgwood.  Among  them  we 
find  the  names  of  Stothard,  Avho  in  his  early 
life  furnished  several  beautiful  designs  ; Piiigo, 
an  Italian  artist,  who  at  an  earlj^  period  of 
Wedgwood’s  career  modelled  for  him  represen- 
tations of  the  battles  of  Plassey  and  Pondi- 
cheriy.  Webber  and  Hack  wood  were  con- 
stantly employed.  Ilackwood  was  a splendid 
modeller  of  portraits,  some  of  which  are  classi- 
cal. The  magnificent  portrait  of  iNTewton, 
after  Roubiliac,  is  by  him.  Wedgwood  called 
upon  Roubiliac’s  widow,  and  she  presented  him 
with  her  husband’s  sketches,  many  of  which 
Wedgwood  afterward  turned  to  account. 

Stringer,  the  painter  of  Knutsford,  was  em- 
ployed by  Wedgwood  to  take  views  of  English 
country  seats  fur  the  Russian  service.  Stringer 
also  visited  Bnrslem.  He  painted  figures  and 
arranged  sphinxes  to  support  a beautiful  column 
which  Wedgwood  had  modelled.  ‘‘Stringer,” 
wrote  Wedgwood  to  Bentley  (November,  RCV), 
“is  now  here  ; he  is  good-natured,  modest,  and 
ingenious  ; and  as  he  has  a ready  hand  at 
drawing,  we  can  sketch  out  a vast  number  of 
pretty  things,  which  may  be  laid  by  to  mature 
till  we  can  bring  them  into  use.  A manufact- 
urer of  ornamentals  cannot  have  too  great  a 
store  of  that  sort.” 

Burdett,  a Liverpool  artist,  drew  dead  game 
for  Wedgwood  ; but  he  proved  quarrelsome, 
and  was  discharged.  Theodore  Parker,  Spils- 


Improvement  of  Models—  Chemistry  121 

bury,  and  Shaw  were  among  the  decorative 
artists.  Joseph  Simon  was  an  excellent  London 
enameller,  and  was  employed  to  decorate  the 
Russian  service.  David  Rhodes  was,  however, 
Wedgwood’s  principal  enameller.  Chitaqua,  a 
Chinese  modeller,  took  a likeness  of  Wedgwood, 
but  it  does  not  appear  that  he  was  afterward 
employed  by  the  firm.  Wright,  the  Derby 
painter,  assisted  Wedgwood  with  his  pictures 
and  illustrations  ; he  suggested,  and  drew,  or 
painted,  “The  Corinthian  Maid,”  “Penelope 
Unravelling  Her  Web,”  “Ulysses  and  Young 
Telemachus,”  “ The  Lady  in  Comiis,”  and  other 
illustrations. 

Among  Wedgwood’s  good  enamellers  were 
Denby  of  Derby,  who  worked  both  at  Etruria 
and  Chelsea,  and  David  Cooper  of  London, 
a flower-painter  of  considerable  merit.  Wilcox, 
from  the  Worcester  Porcelain  Works,  together 
with  his  clever  and  ingenious  wife,  was  employed 
at  Etruria,  and  gave  every  satisfaction.  They 
were  afterward  removed  to  Chelsea  to  take 
rank  with  the  body  of  enamellers  and  deco- 
rators employed  at  Wedgwood  & Bentley’s 
manufactory. 

Sufficient  workmen  and  workwomen  could 
not  be  hired  to  supply  the  demand  for  Wedg- 
wood’s vases  and  enamelled  work.  Art  does 
not  come  by  nature.  Men  and  women  must  be 
taught  and  work  hard  before  they  can  attain 
success;  and  many,  many  are  tlie  failures.  We 
6 


122 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


know  of  artists  who  have  descended  from  land- 
scape painting  to  the  selling  of  butter  and 
cheese.  “We  could  not  live  b}^  art,”  they 
said,  “ but  we  can  make  a living  by  this  hum- 
bler occupation.”  Wedgwood  could  not  find  a 
vase-maker  without  careful  training.  “ Nay,” 
said  he,  “ I could  not  get  a hand  through  the 
whole  pottery  to  make  a table-plate  Avithout 
training  him  up  for  that  purpose.” 

Again,  Wedgwood  Avrites  to  his  friend  : “A 
Avaking  notion  haunts  me  very  much  of  late, 
Avhich  is  the  beginning  of  a regular  drawing 
and  modelling  school  to  train  up  artists  for  our- 
selves. I Avould  pick  up  some  likely  boys  of  about 
twelve  years  old,  and  take  them  as  appren- 
tices until  they  are  tAventy  or  tAventy-one,  and 
Avhen  they  had  made  some  tolerable  proficiency, 
they  should  practise  Avith  outlines  of  figures 
upon  vases  Avhich  I should  send  jmu  to  be  filled 
up.  . . When  you  Avanted  any  hands,  you 
could  draft  them  out  of  this  school.” 

Mrs.  Wilcox,  a very  good  painter  of  floAvers, 
as  Avell  as  of  figures,  groups,  and  landscapes, 
Avas  sent  from  Burslem  to  NeAvport  Street  in 
London  Avhen  the  shoAV- rooms  Avere  opened 
there,  and  was  one  of  the  principal  supports  of 
WedgAvood’s  Art  School  in  Chelsea.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Wilcox  travelled  to  London  in  1769  by 
Avagon,  and  were  a week  on  the  road.  They 
Avere  met  at  the  Coach  and  Horses  by  some  of 
the  people  from  NeAvport  Street,  and  were  con- 


Improvement  of  Models — Chemistry  123 

veyed  to  their  lodgings  until  accommodation 
could  be  provided  for  them  at  Chelsea.  Mrs. 
Wilcox  was  a brave  and  valiant  woman.  She 
brouglit  her  pencils  and  brushes  tied  in  a bun- 
dle, carefully  preserved  from  the  tread  of  the 
wagon  folk.  She  brought  her  tools,  but  still 
more  important,  she  brought  herself.  Her 
husband  always  admitted  that  she  was  much 
greater  than  he  himself  was.  She  long  worked 
for  Wedgwood,  and,  indeed,  died  in  his  service. 

Among  the  women  workers  for  Wedgwood 
Mrs.  Landre  stood  pre-eminent.  She  modelled 
tritons,  sea-nymphs,  sphinxes,  naiads,  bac- 
chantes, and  draped  figures — male  and  female. 
She  also  modelled  candelabra  on  a large  scale. 
Miss  Pars  and  Miss  Glesson  were  also  among 
those  who  were  employed  in  the  decoration  of 
the  Russian  service.  Wedgwood  was  much 
indebted  to  Mrs.  Southwell,  who  visited  his 
works  at  Etruria.  “ She  knows,”  he  wrote  to 
his  partners,  “ the  art  of  disposing  the  most 
beautiful  productions  of  nature  in  the  most 
agreeable,  picturesque,  and  striking  manner.” 
He  again  adds  : ‘‘Mrs.  Southwell  is  a charming 
woman.  I am  more  and  more  in  love  with  lier 
every  time  I see  her,  and,  having  such  a mis- 
tress in  tl)e  science  of  flower-drawing,  I hope 
that  our  future  productions  will  show  that  I 
have  profited  accordingly.” 

Wedgwood  engaged  the  best  artists,  wher- 
ever he  could  find  tliem.  He  sought  them  out 


124 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


among  the  London  fan-painters,  coacli-painters, 
and  fresco-painters.  It  did  not  matter  whether 
they  were  men  or  women.  Botli  were  alike 
employed.  One  Croft  struck  out  a scheme  for 
emplo^dng  faint  white  outlines  on  the  vases; 
this  was  followed  by  Hutchins  from  Soho.  The 
border  lines  were  traced  at  Etruria,  and  the  col- 
ors were  afterward  laid  on  at  Chelsea.  Bake- 
well  of  Liverpool  and  Halph  Unwin  of  Burs- 
lem  were  employed  on  this  work  ; for  there 
continued  to  be — to  use  Wedgwood’s  words — 
^‘an  epidemical  madness  for  vases.” 


CHAPTER  XII 


AMPUTATION  OF  WEDGWOOO’s  EIGHT  LEG 

In  narrating  the  life  of  Josiah  Wedgwood 
frequent  reference  has  been  made  to  the  attack 
of  virulent  small-pox  from  which  he  suffered, 
as  a boy  of  eleven  years  old,  in  1741,  and  to 
the  legacy  of  incessant  and  frequently  excru- 
ciating pain  which  it  entailed  on  him.  In  ad- 
dition to  this,  however,  the  disease  left  other 
sequelse  in  an  impaired  constitution  and  par- 
tial blindness,  as  well  as  other  ailments,  from 
which  he  never  completely  recovered. 

It  is  necessary  to  bear  in  mind  the  terrible 
affliction  thus  caused  to  a nature  so  active  and 
energetic  as  Josiah  Wedgwood’s.  The  en- 
forced idleness  of  body  could  not  subdue  his 
indomitable  perseverance,  but  only  afforded 
the  opportunity  for  that  cultivation  of  mind 
which  had  been  denied  him  in  earlier  years. 
The  accident  on  his  journey  to  Liverpool 
brought  about  his  introduction  to  Dr.  Turner, 
and  through  him  his  acquaintance  with  Bent- 
ley, and  such  men  as  Dr.  Priestley,  Dr.  Aikin, 
the  lleywoods,  the  Percivals,  Mr.  Wyke,  the 
clever  watchmaker,  and  the  Rev.  William  Wil- 


120 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


let,  who  afterward  married  Catherine,  Wedg- 
wood’s youngest  sister. 

Ilis  affliction,  therefore,  was  not  altogether 
without  recompense,  but  it  was  an  ever-present 
source  of  bodily  pain  and  commercial  hindrance. 

While  in  London  on  the  navigation  business, 
in  ISTovember,  1766,  Wedgwood  had  a brief  but 
alarming  attack  of  illness  which  greatly  pros- 
trated him.  Ilis  wife  and  cousin  were  happily 
near.  They  helped  him  to  conduct  the  business 
he  had  come  to  London  about  ; and  in  a short 
time  he  was  again  at  work,  though  far  from 
convalescent. 

The  bilious  attacks  to  which  he  was  liable 
returned  in  July,  1767,  and,  as  usual,  depressed 
his  spirits  and  greatly  disheartened  him.  His 
friend  Dr.  Darwin  recommended  exercise  ; and 
he  rode  on  horseback  from  ten  to  twenty  miles 
a day.  A month  later  his  unfortunate  knee 
again  troubled  him.  lie  had  intended  to  visit 
Bentley  at  Liverpool,  but  he  felt  quite  unable 
to  ride  so  far.  He  wrote  to  his  friend  : “ I can- 
not do  much  longer  without  seeing  you,  but  I 
am  at  present  disabled  for  travelling  far  from 
home  by  a sprain  of  my  bad  knee,  which  will, 
I fear,  confine  me  some  time  near  home.” 

It  was  so  constantl}^  with  him.  He  was  some- 
times better,  sometimes  worse.  At  one  time  it 
was  his  liver,  at  another  time  it  was  his  disabled 
knee.  It  seemed  to  be  a case  of  metastasis,  a 
change  of  the  disease  from  one  part  of  the 


Amputation  of  WedgiooocVs  liiglit  Leg  127 

body  to  another.  He  wrote  to  Cox  of  London, 
wlio  was  hiring  new  show-rooms  for  him,  sajnng 
that  lie  had  overwalked  and  overworked  his 
leg,  and  the  result  was  intense  pain.  He  again 
consulted  Mr.  Bent,  the  surgeon  of  Newcastle- 
under-Lyme,  who  tried  embrocations  externally 
and  emetics  internall}^  He  thus  described  the 
results  to  Bentley  : ‘‘  The  pain  had  no  sooner 
left  my  knee  than  I was  very  ill  in  other  re- 
spects ; I suffered  from  great  heat  and  difficulty 
of  breathing,  insomuch  that  I was  glad  to  feel 
the  pain  again  returning  to  the  knee,  and  as  the 
pain  again  returned  into  that  part,  the  other 
symptoms  left  me.” 

Though  Wedgwood  was  now  a comparatively 
thriving  and  prosperous  man, — master  of  a large 
pottery  establishment,  treasurer  of  the  Grand 
Trunk  Canal,  and  interested  in  many  public  un- 
dertakings,— the  disease  in  his  knee  was  con- 
stantly returning.  It  was  a constant  source  of 
pain  and  worry.  It  interfered  with  his  sleep — 
‘‘  tired  nature’s  sweet  restorer,  balmy  sleep.” 
It  hindered  his  peace  of  mind.  It  prevented 
him  attending  to  his  business.  He  could  not 
even  conduct  his  correspondence.  He  began  to 
contemplate  the  idea  of  getting  rid  of  this  ter- 
rible incumbrance. 

On  the  advice  of  his  friend  Dr.  Darwin  he 
determined  to  consult  a surgeon.  Had  con- 
servative surgery  existed  in  those  days  perhaps 
his  limb  might  have  been  saved.  But  Weclg- 


128 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


wood  had  to  accommodate  liimself  to  the  then 
condition  of  surgery.  He  was  now  making  up 
his  mind  to  a radical  cure,  which  might  forever 
rid  him  of  his  tormenting  knee.  It  was  no 
doubt  a heroic  remedy,  and  it  might  prove  a 
dangerous  one.  It  was  no  other  than  the  am- 
putation of  his  right  limb.  He  finally  resolved 
upon  the  operation,  and  tlie  amputation  took 
place  upon  the  28th  May,  I'ZGS,  about  four  years 
after  his  marriage. 

Mr.  Bent,  assisted  by  a local  surgeon,  per- 
formed the  operation.  The  faithful  Bentley 
came  over  from  Liverpool  to  support  Wedg- 
wood’s courage.  But,  so  far  as  that  went,  he 
had  courage  enougli.  There  were  no  ansesthet- 
ics  in  those  days,  but  he  Avould  not  have  the 
operation  hidden  from  his  view,  but  deliberately 
watched  the  surgeons.  There  were  the  tourni- 
quet, the  knife,  the  saw,  the  forceps,  the  liga- 
tures, the  sewing  of  the  flaps,  and  the  strap- 
ping. He  was  thus  finally  relieved  from  the 
knee  which  had  tormented  him  so  long  ; and 
during  the  operation  the  brave  Wedgwood 
never  shrank  nor  uttered  a murmur.  Yet  for 
many  years  the  severed  nerves  continued  to 
convey  sensations  to  the  brain  or  to  the  nervous 
system  which  had  been  affected,  so  that  he  con- 
tinued to  feel  the  remains  of  the  pain  in  what 
he  called  his  ‘‘no-leg.” 

During  Wedgwood’s  illness  his  wife’s  con- 
duct was  admirable.  Although  she  had  to  at- 


Amputation  of  Wedgwood^ s Right  Leg  129 


tend  the  sufferings  of  her  dying  boy,  she  never 
ceased  to  pay  her  loving  attentions  to  her  ‘^dear 
Joss.”  She  conducted  his  correspondence,  and 
did  every  thing  she  could,  by  her  alacrity  and 
cheerfulness,  to  keep  his  mind  as  free  as  possi- 
ble from  the  cares  and  troubles  of  ordinary  life. 
When  the  surgeons  saw  that  the  operation  had 
been  successful,  they  left  the  case  to  the  care  of 
his  wife.  She  dressed  the  wound  from  day  to 
day  until  the  patient  was  finally  cured. 

When  Bentley  found  that  Wedgwood  was 
out  of  danger,  he  returned  to  Liverpool  to  exe- 
cute his  friend’s  orders.  He  and  his  partner, 
Boardman,  were  for  sometime  exceedingly  busy 
with  despatching  crates  of  earthenware  to  for- 
eign ports.  During  Wedgwood’s  illness  many 
enquiries  were  made  by  distinguished  persons 
after  his  welfare — by  Lord  Gower  of  Trent- 
ham,  by  the  Duke  of  Bridgewater  of  Worsley, 
and  by  the  Dukes  of  Bedford  and  Marlbor- 
ough, Lords  Cathcart  and  Bessborougli,  Sir 
William  Meredith,  Sir  George  Saville,  and 
many  others.  Dr.  Darwin  was  also  a frequent 
visitor  while  Wedgwood  was  confined  to  his 
room.  If  good  wishes  could  have  cured  him, 
he  must  soon  have  been  happy  upon  his  soli- 
tary leg. 

While  Wedgwood  lay  in  bed,  after  the  am- 
putation, Peter  Swift,  of  the  Burslem  Works, 
wrote  an  invoice  of  cream  ware  to  Cox  in  Lon- 
don, dated  28th  May,  1768,  to  Avhich  he  ap- 
6'^ 


130 


Jo  skill  We  dgw  oocl 


pended  this  note  : ‘^Mr.  Wedgwood  has  this 
day  liad  his  leg  taken  of  [52c],  and  is  as  well  as 
can  be  expected  after  such  an  execution  ! ” 

Bentley’s  correspondence  continued  to  be 
most  loving  and  affectionate.  It  was  one  of 
Wedgwood’s  greatest  pleasures  to  receive,  read, 
and  study  his  kind  communications.  In  one  of 
Wedgwood’s  replies,  written  about  a month 
after  the  operation,  he  said  : 

‘‘My  Deae  Fkiend  : I have  many,  very 
many,  most  kind  and  affectionate  letters  from 
you  to  be  thankful  for,  with  a thousand  other 
instances  of  your  esteem  ; but  that  is  too  cool 
a term  to  express  the  feelings  of  my  heart. 
. . You  know,  indeed,  that  I could  not  for 
a moment  cease  to  love  and  be  grateful  to  you, 
now  I am  recovered  so  far  as  to  be  able  to 
write.  I find  myself  over  head  and  ears  in 
debt  as  to  replies  to  your  communications,  and 
every  post  is  increasing  the  heavy  load.  It  is 
this  that  confines  me  to  the  house,  and  retards 
my  perfect  recovery. 

“ At  present  I am  well,  even  beyond  my  most 
sanguine  expectations.  My  leg  is  almost  healed. 
The  wound  is  not  quite  two  inches  by  one  and 
a half.  I measured  it  with  the  compasses  this 
morning  when  I dressed  it.  Yes  ! when  I 
dressed  it  ; for  I have  turned  my  surgeon 
adrift,  and  Sally  and  I are  sole  managers  now. 
Only,  we  give  him  leave  to  peep  at  it  now  and 


Amputation  of  Wedgicood^s  Might  Leg  131 

then,  when  he  lifts  np  his  liands  and  eyes,  and 
will  scarcely  believe  that  it  is  the  wound  he 
dressed  before.” 

Wedgwood  continued  to  take  Ids  usual  in- 
terest in  the  building  of  the  works  at  Etruria, 
and  showed  his  kindness  to  the  workmen 
employed.  On  the  20th  of  June,  less  than  a 
month  after  the  operation,  he  wrote  to  Bentley  : 
“ I am  pleased  with  your  feeling  so  much  for 
the  poor  mortar  maker,  and  I will  endeavor  to 
set  his  mind  at  rest.  Mr.  Pickford  [the  master 
builder]  has  much  of  the  bashaw  in  his  treat- 
ment of  workmen,  and  does  not  consider  that 
they  have  any  feelings  at  all.  I have  seen  many 
instances  of  this,  and  may  perhaps  some  time 
or  other  find  a mode  of  conveying  to  him  a 
lecture  upon  the  proper  treatment  of  our 
inferiors,  and  to  prove  that  our  ‘ humble 
friends,’  as  some  one  beautifully  calls  them, 
have  like  passions  with  ourselves,  and  are 
capable  of  feeling  pain  or  pleasure  in  the  same 
manner  as  their  masters.” 

After  this  amputation  of  his  leg  Wedgwood 
had  to  walk  with  the  aid  of  crutches,  for  cork 
legs  had  not  been  invented,  and  he  had  to  wait 
for  a proper  firm  leg  until  his  next  visit  to  Lon- 
don. Some  months  after  the  amputation  he 
wrote  to  Dr.  Darwin  : My  first  wooden  leg 
was  made  by  Mr.  Addison,  lay-figure  maker  in 
Hanover  Street,  Longacre.”  But  Wedgwood 


132 


Josiah  Weclgicood 


was  so  active  and  spirited  a fellow  that  be 
required  a constant  succession  of  wooden  legs. 

On  the  14tli  of  July,  IVGS,  he  wrote  to  Bent- 
ley from  Burslem  : ‘‘  My  London  modeller  has 
come,  and  we  are  sketching  out  some  employ- 
ment for  him.  I have  accidentally  met  with 
another  artist  who  is  like  enough  to  stick  by 
me  if  you  can  send  a good,  sober,  honest  account 
of  him.  He  is  a mathematical  instrument 
makei*,  a Avooden  leg  maker,  a caster  of  printer’s 
types,  and,  in  short,  a jack-of-all-trades.  He 
has  been  at  Liverpool  about  half-a-year,  Avork- 
ing  Avith  a mathematical  instrument  maker  near 
the  ’Change.  He  has  also  done  some  letters  for 
Mr.  Perry.  His  name  is  Brown,  and  he  Avears 
a Avooden  leg.  At  present  he  is  making  me 
some  AVOoden  legs.  As  he  can  forge  iron,  file 
extremely  Avell,  and  cast  in  various  metals,  I 
shall  employ  him  in  making  and  repairing 
engine  lathes,  punched  by  tools  of  various  sorts. 
If  his  character  be  good,  he  is  just  the  very 
man  I Avant.” 

In  writing  to  her  agents  in  London  Mrs. 
WedgAvood  saj^s  : “The  peg  leg  is  much 
Avanted.”  In  February,  I'ZGO,  he  Avrites  that 
he  cannot  attend  the  Grand  Trunk  Canal  meet- 
ing, because  his  leg  Avas  repairing ! He  had  an 
immense  deal  of  trouble  indeed  Avith  his  j^in 
leg  ! In  a letter  to  Mr.  SteAvard,  Avritten  by 
AYedgAvood  himself  at  a later  date,  he  regrets 
that  he  had  met  Avith  a slight  hurt,  which 


Amputation  of  Wedgwood^ s Right  Reg  133 

rendered  him  unable  to  wear  his  artificial  leg, 
and  thereby  confined  himself  at  home  ; but  he 
added  : “ I have  now  got  well,  and  go  abroad 
a2:ain,  though  I am  not  fond  of  doing  so  in 
frosty  weather,  being  not  so  expert  a footman 
as  I have  been,  and  a slip  or  accident  to  my 
better  leg  might  lay  me  up  for  good  and  all.” 

There  was  a great  deal  of  trouble  about  the 
“ spare  leg.”  In  a letter  to  his  brother  in  Lon- 
don Wedgwood  said:  “Send  me  by  the  next 
wagon  a spare  leg,  which  you  will  find,  I believe, 
in  the  closet.  . . I shall  make  a wretched 
walker  in  the  dark  with  a wooden  leg.”  At 
the  same  time  there  was  a large  demand  for 
vases,  which  Wedgwood  did  his  best  to  supply. 
He  went  to  London  in  February,  1769,  and 
superintended  the  operations  there  for  six 
weeks.  After  his  return  to  Burslem  he  wrote 
to  Bentley  at  Liverpool,  who  had  just  returned 
from  FTewport  Street,  London,  and  said  that 
there  was  “no  getting  to  the  door  of  the  show- 
room for  coaches  nor  into  the  rooms  for  ladies. 
Vases  are  still  the  cry.”  We  add  another  part 
of  Wedgwood’s  letter  : “Be  so  good  as  let  us 
know  what  is  going  forward  in  the  great  world  ; 
how  many  lords  and  dukes  visit  your  rooms, 
praise  your  beauties,  thin  your  shelves,  and  fill 
your  purses  ; and  if  you  will  take  the  trouble 
to  acquaint  us  with  the  daily  ravages  in  your 
stores,  we  will  endeavor  to  replenish  them.” 

But  still  worse  than  Wedgwood’s  pin  leg 


134 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


were  the  attacks  of  blindness,  with  which  he 
Avas  threatened  toward  the  end  of  1769.  He 
liad  an  inflammation  in  his  eyes  which  partly 
blinded  him.  Spectra  and  atoms  shut  out  the 
light.  ‘‘  My  eyes,”  he  wrote  to  Bentley  in 
December,  “ continue  the  same.  It  is  just  dark, 
and  I am  absolutely  forbidden  to  write  or  read 
by  candle-light.  Clouds  and  atoms  are  before 
me.  I fear,  indeed,  about  my  brain  becoming 
affected.  I intend  to  go  to  London  for  advice. 
I am  advised  to  have  a perj^etual  seton  placed 
behind  my  neck.” 

To  save  his  eyes  Mrs.  Wedgwood,  his  faith- 
ful wife,  Avrote  a long  letter  to  Bentley.  “ The 
complaint  in  Mr.  Wedgwood’s  eyes,”  she 
begins,  “ Avhich  he  mentioned  to  you  in  Lon- 
don, is  growing  Avorse.  He  has  consulted  Mr. 
Bent,  who  advises  him  to  use  them  as  little  as 
possible,  and  not  to  Avrite  by  candle-light  at  all, 
for  Avhich  ]*eason  he  knoAvs  you  Avill  excuse  him 
for  not  Avriting.  Mr.  Bent  has  ordered  him  to 
take  some  pukes  [emetics].  He  has  already 
taken  one,  and  thinks  he  is  something  better, 
and  is  to  take  another  to-night.”  Then  she 
goes  into  business  matters  Avhich  occupy  sev- 
eral pages  quarto. 

It  Avas  a great  privation  for  AYedgwood  to  be 
debarred  from  reading,  as  he  desired  to  use  his 
confinement  for  the  opportunity  of  repairing 
the  deficiencies  of  an  education  Avhich  had 
unavoidably  been  narroAV.  Indeed,  he  took  so 


Amputation  of  Wedgwood’’ s Right  Leg  135 

mucli  deliglit  in  reading  that  he  often  declared 
that  the  height  of  his  ambition  Avas  to  earn  a 
small  competence,  such  as  might  enable  him 
to  spend  the  remainder  of  his  life  in  literary 
studies. 

But  business  had,  in  the  meantime,  to  be 
attended  to.  In  June,  17 VO,  we  find  liim  writ- 
ing to  Lord  Paget,  stating  his  concern  at  not 
being  able  to  wait  upon  his  lordship  at  Etruria 
because  of  his  being  unable  to  start  at  that  time 
without  crutches.  But  he  proceeded  to  give 
Lord  Paget  written  information  as  to  the  ideas 
he  had  been  enquiring  about. 

After  his  eyes  had  recovered  he  could  both 
read  and  write  about  models  of  TJie  Muses, 
Hercules,  Omphale,  The  Piping  Faun,  The  Ves- 
tals, ^sculapius,  and  other  artistic  products. 
At  the  same  time  he  added:  “I  believe  it 
would  do  me  a great  deal  of  good  to  have  my 
head  quite  clear  of  all  business  for  a fortnight.” 

To  show  the  kindly  feeling  that  existed  be- 
tween Wedgwood  and  Bentley  we  quote  the 
following  further  letter,  on  the  occasion  of 
Bentley  being  invited  to  Etruria  at  Christmas- 
time : “How  happy  should  I be  in  spending  a 
few  weeks  or  even  days  with  my  dear  friend  ! 
His  letters  console  and  comfort  me  greatly  ; 
but  his  cheerful  and  enlivening  company,  with 
the  visible  emanations  of  his  sympatlietic 
heart,  would  be  a cordial  indeed.  . . But 
there  is  a gulf  between  us  which  neither  one 


136 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


nor  tlie  other  can  pass  with  any  degree  of  pro- 
priety, prndence,  or  convenience. 

“ I am  equally  engaged  and  tied  down  to  this 
spot.  The  frost  has  now  nearly  left  ns,  and  we 
are  going  to  set  out  the  buildings.  . . The 
price  Mr.  Pickford  has  given  us  in  his  estimate 
is  much  higher  than  that  I can  agree  to  . . . 
but  we  are  to  try  what  we  can  do  to-morroAV. 

“All  our  little  folks  are  jumping  and  skip- 
ping about  us.  We  have  had  one  high  day, 
concluding  Avith  a dance.  We  had  a second 
day  Avith  the  non-dancers.  If  you  arrive  in 
time,  we  shall  have  a third.” 


CHAPTER  XIII 


Wedgwood’s  artistic  work 

The  erection  of  the  works  at  Etruria  was 
now  nearly  finished.  Bentley’s  house  was  ready 
for  his  reception.  He  was  now  Wedgwood’s 
partner  in  artistic  and  ornamental  ware.  Wedg- 
wood was  anxious  to  see  him  at  Burslem  about 
an  extension  of  his  London  show-rooms.  “ Pall 
Mall,”  he  said,  “ is  the  best  situation  in  London. 
There  is  now  an  auction-room  occuj)ied  by  the 
artists  for  their  exhibition.  I should  like  to 
have  your  opinion  about  it.  . . Besides  room 
for  my  ware,  I must  have  more  room  for  my 
ladies,  for  they  sometimes  come  in  such  very 
large  shoals  together  that  one  party  are  often 
obliged  to  wait  until  another  have  done  their 
business.  . . I have  now  about  some  five 
hundred  things  to  do.  I am  preparing  designs, 
models,  moulds,  clays,  colors,  and  such  like  for 
the  vase-work,  by  which  means  we  shall  be  able 
to  do  business.” 

In  a subsequent  letter  he  says  : “ I am  going 

on  with  my  experiments  upon  various  earths, 
clays,  etc.,  for  different  bodies,  and  shall  next 
go  upon  glazes.  Many  of  my  experiments  turn 


138 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


out  to  my  wislies,  and  convince  me  more  and 
more  of  the  extensive  capability  of  our  manu- 
facture for  further  improvements.  It  is  at  pres- 
ent in  a rude,  uncultivated  state,  and  may  easily 
be  brought  to  much  greater  perfection.  Such  a 
revolution  is,  I believe,  at  hand,  and  you  must 
assist  me  and  profit  by  it.  . . Why,  you 
never  knew  so  busy  a mortal  as  I am  ; higli- 
ways,  canals,  surveying,  engine-lathe  making, 
experiments  for  porcelain,  or  at  least  a new 
earthenware,  fill  up  about  every  moment  of  my 
time.” 

From  a very  early  period  Wedgwood  had 
desired  to  obtain  Bentley  as  a partner.  His 
object  was  to  secure  the  aid  and  counsel  of  a 
man  of  sound  judgment  upon  whose  fidelity  and 
ability  he  could  thoroughly  rely.  He  had  not 
been  satisfied  with  his  London  agents  ; and  as 
he  became  better  acquainted  with  Bentley,  he 
believed  in  him  more  and  more,  and  became 
increasingly  anxious  to  obtain  his  services. 
The  two  became  so  intimate  that  Bentle}^  was 
the  only  friend  that  had  been  present  at  the 
amputation  of  Wedgwood’s  limb.  Yet  Bentley 
was  a modest  man  : he  was  not  ambitious  nor 
desirous  of  accumulating  wealth. 

At  first  he  declined  Wedgwood’s  offer.  He 
was  satisfied  with  his  position  at  Liverpool, 
where  he  and  his  partner  had  for  some  years 
been  carrying  on  a large  exporting  and  import- 
ing trade  for  Wedgwood  and  others.  But 


WedgicoocVs  Artistic  Work 


139 


Wedgwood  would  not  be  denied.  He  pressed 
the  matter  of  tlie  partnership  again  and  again  ; 
and  at  length  Bentley  resigned  his  position  at 
Liverpool  in  favor  of  Boardman. 

Wedgwood  desired  Bentley  to  reside  at  Etru- 
ria in  order  that  he  should  become  thoroughly 
initiated  in  the  affairs  of  the  firm.  Bentley 
went  first  to  London  to  look  after  the  state  of 
the  agency  there  ; and  meanwhile  his  house  at 
Etruria  was  proceeded  with  until  it  was  nearly 
ready  for  occupation.  But  Bentley  never  took 
possession  of  the  house,  his  presence  in  Lon- 
don being  considered  more  necessary  for  the 
progress  of  the  firm. 

From  the  date  of  his  recovery  Wedgwood 
became  more  and  more  absorbed  in  the  details 
of  his  business.  He  strove  to  introduce  the 
highest  art  in  the  production  of  earthenware. 
The  drawings  burned  in  upon  the  edges  of  the 
plates  and  dishes  were  greatly  improved.  Wedg- 
wood desired  to  foster  and  create  a taste  for 
works  of  art.  He  emplo^md  Stothard  and 
other  artists  to  design  for  him,  and  some  of 
their  works  were  of  a very  superior  character. 

Attlie  same  time  Wedgwood  made  many  im- 
provements in  the  form  and  material  of  his 
productions,  especially  in  his  vases,  the  demand 
for  which  became  very  great.  He  was  con- 
stantly making  enquiries  about  new  clays  for 
the  improvement  of  his  wares. 

In  1768  Wedgwood  despatched  his  traveller 


140 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


Griffiths  to  South  Carolina  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  some  very  precious  white  porcelain 
clay  which,  he  understood,  was  to  be  obtained 
in  that  quarter.  The  voyage  proved  a perilous 
one.  Violent  storms  pursued  the  ship.  An 
Algerine  cruiser  attempted  to  overhaul  them. 
At  length  they  reached  Charleston  in  safety. 
But  more  danger  had  to  be  encountered.  Grif- 
fiths and  his  party  had  to  travel  some  three 
hundred  miles  into  the  heart  of  the  country, 
which  was  beset  by  thieves  and  robbers.  When 
they  reached  the  Ayoree  and  Chikoree  country, 
the  savage  Indians  threatened  to  kill  them  be- 
cause of  their  trespass  on  the  hunting-grounds. 
At  length,  after  being  protected  by  the  squaws, 
Griffiths  succeeded  in  filling  five  rough  wagons 
Avith  five  tons  of  pure  white  earth  or  clay,  and 
conveying  the  Avagons  amid  considerable  peril 
to  Charleston.  From  thence  the  stuff  Avas 
fortliAvith  shipped  for  England. 

WedgAVOod  also  despatched  another  messen- 
ger to  obtain  some  other  notable  claj'-  from 
Pensacola,  in  Florida.  Wherever  suitable  clay 
Avas  to  be  had  throughout  the  world,  he  inva- 
riably contrived  to  make  diligent  search  for  it. 
He  obtained,  near  at  hand,  from  Anglesark,  in 
Lancashire,  Term  — Avhat  the  French 

potters  term  Bpatli  fusible^ — and  of  this  also  he 
made  diligent  use.  He  continued  to  model 
from  antique  forms,  especiall}^  from  the  Etrus- 
can ; and  he  made  every  enquiry  of  his  dis- 


Wedgwood"^ s Artistic  Work 


141 


tinguislied  friends  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining 
new  models  for  the  antique  vases.  Lord  Gower, 
Lord  Cathcart,  tlie  Duke  of  Bedford,  and  Sir 
William  Hamilton  were  in  this  way  of  the 
greatest  assistance  to  him. 

In  order  to  exhibit  his  artistic  works  it  Avas 
necessary  that  they  should  be  shown  in  some 
Avell-frequented  district.  Wedgwood  found 
some  excellent  shoAV-rooms  at  the  corner  of 
HeAvport  Street  and  St.  Martin’s  Lane.  There 
he  exhibited  his  best  Abases  and  other  AA^orks  of 
art.  Ho  person  could  have  exhibited  these 
artistic  Avares  Avith  better  address  than  Bentley. 
He  was  handsome  in  person,  and  polished  in 
manners  and  conversation.  He  entertained  his 
morning  audiences  of  dukes,  duchesses,  and 
other  noble  personages  Avith  great  suavity  and 
grace.  He  could  speak  most  European  lan- 
guages, and  descant  to  his  hearers  on  Greek  and 
Etruscan  art,  or  converse  in  French  and  Italian 
Avith  foreign  ambassadors  on  the  progress  of 
artistic  manufactures  in  Paris  or  Rome. 

Among  WedgAvood’s  numerous  friends  Avas 
MattheAV  Boulton  of  Birmingham.  Boulton 
was  a public-spirited  man.  He  was  one  of  the 
early  promoters  of  the  Grand  Trunk  Canal,  of 
which  WedgAVOod  Avas  treasurer.  He  Avas  one 
of  the  men  avIio  faced  and  overcame  many  diffi- 
culties. When  James  Watt’s  condensing  steam- 
engine  was  in  such  a state  that  no  mechanical 
engineer  would  even  look  at  it,  Boulton  took  it 


142 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


up,  and  after  many  3’ears  of  trials  and  heavy 
losses  he  eventuall}^,  with  the  assistance  of 
Watt  and  Murdock,  established  the  engine  as  a 
novel  and  extraordinaiy  working  power. 

Before  his  partnership  witli  Watt,  Boulton 
had  been  better  known  in  connection  with  the 
inlaying  of  steel  and  the  manufacture  of  bronze 
ornaments.  As  his  business  increased  he  de- 
sired to  extend  his  works.  He  could  not  find 
premises  in  Birmingham  to  suit  his  purposes  ; 
but  he  found  a large  rabbit  warren  at  Solio, 
about  two  miles  off,  which  he  leased  for  a 
lengthened  period,  and  proceeded  to  erect 
thereon  extensive  works.  These  soon  after  be- 
came the  home  of  the  condensing  steam-engine, 
and  the  great  mint  of  British  coin. 

Josiah  Wedgwood  had  been  in  a similar  2:)osi- 
tion  at  Burslem,  when  he  proceeded  to  buy  the 
comparatively  barren  Ridgehouse  estate,  about 
two  miles  off.  lie, too,  converted  an  unfruitful 
region  into  a mine  of  wealth.  While  the  works 
at  Etruria  were  in  course  of  erection,  no  one  was 
better  able  to  advise  Wedgwood  as  to  the  or- 
ganized system  of  details  than  Matthew  Boulton 
of  Soho.  The  two  friends  often  met  together, 
and  Boulton  revealed  to  Wedgwood  the  entire 
series  of  his  operations — his  bookkeeping,  his 
method  of  finance,  his  agencies,  his  system  of 
accounts,  and  all  the  other  details  of  a large  and 
increasing  trade. 

Wedgwood  had  the  highest  o^^inion  of  Boul- 


Wedgwood? s Artistic  Work 


143 


ton’s  business  genius.  “ He  is,  I believe,”  wrote 
Wedgwood  to  Bentley,  ‘‘  the  first  most  complete 
manufacturer  of  metal  in  England.  He  is  very 
ingenious, philosophical,  and  agreeable.”  Wedg- 
wood’s success  had  been  so  great  that  Boulton 
told  his  friend  that  he  admired  his  vases  so  much 
that  he  almost  wished  to  be  a potter.  At  one 
time,  indeed,  he  had  serious  thoughts  of  begin- 
ning the  fictile  manufacture  ; but  eventually  he 
was  satisfied  to  mount  in  metal  the  vases  which 
Wedgwood  had  made. 

In  view  of  the  probable  encounters  in  pottery 
Wedgwood  wrote  to  Bentley  in  1769:  “It 
doubles  my  courage  to  have  the  first  manufac- 
turer in  England  to  encounter.  The  match  likes 
me  well.  I like  the  man  ; I like  his  spirit.  He 
will  not  be  a mere  drivelling  copyist  like  the 
antagonists  I have  hitherto  had,  but  will  ven- 
ture to  step  out  of  the  lines  upon  occasion,  and 
afford  us  diversion  in  the  combat.  . . If  we 
must  fall,  if  Etruria  cannot  stand  its  ground, 
but  must  give  way  to  Soho,  and  fall  before  her, 
let  us  not  sell  the  victory  too  cheap,  but  main- 
tain our  ground  like  men,  and  endeavor  even  in 
our  defeat  to  share  the  laurels  with  our  con- 
querors.” 

Boulton  and  Wedgwood,  however,  never 
waged  warfare  with  each  other.  They  re- 
mained sincere  friends  during  the  rest  of  their 
lives.  Wedgwood  paid  a visit  to  London,  ac- 
companied by  his  wife  and  Mr.  Bentley,  in 


144 


Josiah  ^Yedgwood 


October,  1768.  The  apartments  above  the 
warehouse  were  prepared  for  their  reception, 
and  they  spent  man}^  days  there.  Mat- 

thew Boulton,  from  Soho,  was  in  London  at  the 
same  time,  and  he  and  Wedgwood  went  about 
searching  for  antique  vases,  the  one  to  repro- 
duce them  in  bronze,  and  the  other  in  jasper 
or  basalt. 

After  a month’s  stay  in  London  Wedgwood, 
his  wife,  and  Bentley  returned  to  Burslem. 
Bentley  was  the  guest  of  Wedgwood  at  the 
Brick  House.  During  tlie  first  six  months  of 
1769  Bentley  passed  from  London  through 
Burslem  to  Liverpool  to  wind  up  his  alfairs  at 
the  latter  town,  and  to  counsel  his  friend  as  to 
the  new  buildings  at  Etruria.  At  length  the 
Ornamental  Works  at  Etruria  were  ready  for 
occupation  on  the  13th  of  June,  1769.  The 
other  buildings,  called  the  Useful  Works, — that 
is,  for  the  manufacture  of  w^are  for  commercial 
purposes, — were  only  in  progress.  The  canal  in 
front  of  the  buildings  was  far  advanced.  The 
mansion  intended  for  the  accommodation  of 
Wedgwood  and  his  family  was  also  in  progress, 
but  by  no  means  ready  for  occupation. 

It  was  a great  day  for  Etruria.  Mrs.  Wedg- 
wood, with  her  two  children,  and  other  friends, 
had  come  over  from  Burslem  to  see  the  begin- 
ning of  the  works.  Wedgwood  and  Bentley 
were  the  first  operators.  Wedgwood  threw  off 
his  coat  and  hat,  turned  up  his  shirt-sleeves, 


'Wedgwood' s Artistic  Wor'k 


145 


and,  putting  on  a workman’s  apron,  sat  clown  at 
the  thrower’s  board,,  while  Bentley  turned  the 
wheel,  making  the  disk  to  revolve,  while  Wedg- 
wood modelled  the  six  three-handled  vases  in 
black  basalt.  After  this  had  been  done  there 
was  an  adjournment  to  the  turner’s  room,  Avhere 
Wedgwood  pared  down  the  inequalities  by  the 
lathe,  after  which  they  were  ready  for  firing. 
Then  followed  a luncheon  and  a banquet  to 
drink  success  to  the  new  undertaking.  The 
vases  were  described  by  Wedgwood  as  “the 
first  fruits  of  Etruria.”  After  being  burned 
they  were  sent  to  London  to  be  painted  in  en- 
caustic colors  by  one  of  Wedgwood’s  artists. 
The  subject  was  “ Hercules  and  his  Compan- 
ions in  the  Gardens  of  the  Hesperides,”  taken 
from  one  of  the  Etruscan  antiquities  belong- 
ing to  Sir  William  Hamilton. 

In  August,  1769,  Bentley  proceeded  to  Lon- 
don, where  he  remained  for  a time  at  the  ware- 
house in  Newport  Street,  and  afterward  to  the 
dwelling  at  Chelsea  which  had  been  taken  for 
his  accommodation.  Wedgwood  had  already 
an  establishment  at  Chelsea  where  he  manu- 
factured some  of  his  ornamental  wares.  The 
place  was  more  convenient  for  his  London 
artists  and  enamellers.  Bentley’s  house  was 
situated  in  Little  Cheyne  Row,  within  about  a 
stone’s  throw  of  the  manufactory. 

Tlie  demand  for  Wedgwood’s  vases  still  con- 
tinued more  brisk  even  than  before.  It  broke 
7 


146 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


out  ill  Dublin  as  well  as  in  London.  In  one  of 
bis  letters  to  Bentley,  Wedgwood  said:  “ Sir 
William  Cliambers,  the  architect,  would  not 
stop  to  tell  me  the  difference  between  urns  and 
vases,  as  he  was  going  to  wait  upon  the  queen, 
and  he  was  so  obliging  as  to  take  a piece  of  my 
ware  with  him — a covered  dish  enamelled  after 
his  own  drawing.” 

With  respect  to  his  drawing-book  of  vases, 
to  be  inspected  at  the  London  show-room  by 
the  visitors,  Wedgwood  said  : I need  not  tell 
you  that  it  will  be  to  our  interest  to  amuse  and 
divert  and  please  and  astonish,  nay,  and  even 
ravish,  the  ladies.  But  who  am  I Avriting  to? 
Not  to  my  Avife,  I hope.  No,  she  must  Aviiik 
here  ; this  is  all  under  the  rose.  It  is  to  my 
good  friend — vase-maker-general  to  the  uni- 
verse.” Again  he  says  to  Bentley  : “ I have 
really  more  business  cut  out  for  me  than  I Avell 
knoAV  how  to  execute.” 

At  the  beginning  of  1770  WedgAvood  pro- 
posed to  Bentley  that  he  should  leave  the  Lon- 
don rooms  and  go  down  to  Etruria  to  learn  the 
secrets  of  the  art  of  potteiy.  “ I Avould  just 
mention  to  you,”  said  WedgAVOod,  “ that  Avhen 
you  have  settled  matters  in  the  best  manner 
you  can  return  to  London  and  Chelsea.  I could. 
Avish  you  to  be  at  the  manufactory  a Avhile  to 
learn  the  art  of  pot-making  Avhile  I am  able  to 
go  through  that  branch  Avith  you,  Avhich  I shall 
do  Avith  great  pleasure,  and  I hope  you  will 


WedgwoocVs  Artistic  Work  147 

carry  on  to  great  perfection  those  improve- 
ments which  I have  been  endeavoring  to  lay  a 
foundation  for,  and  shall  be  happy  in  leaving 
them  with  you,  my  good  and  worthy  friend, 
who  neither  wants  ability  nor  spirit  to  pursue 
the  task.  May  it  be  a pleasing  and  successful 
one, — indeed,  I have  no  doubt  but  that  it  will, — ■ 
and  so  long  as  my  ej^es  and  my  health  will  per- 
mit I shall  gladl}^  assist  you  in  it.” 

All  the  artists  were  at  work — Bacon,  Tassie, 
Mrs.  Landre,  Mrs.  Wilcox,  from  Worcester,  and 
others.  Wedgwood  was  still  busy  with  the 
improvement  of  the  lathe  for  manufacturing 
purposes.  He  wrote  to  Bentley  : “ I believe 
we  shall  make  an  engine-lathe  or  two  here,  and 
can  do  it  better  tlian  at  Liveri^ool,  We  have 
an  ingenious  and  indefatigable  smith  among  us 
who,  ever  since  engine-lathes  were  first  intro- 
duced here,  has  been  constantly  employed  in 
that  business  ; and  he  promises  me  very  faith- 
fully that  whatever  improvements  I may  in- 
struct him  in  he  will  make  them  for  no  one 
else.  But  that,  you  know,  is  a superfluous  en- 
gagement, as  we  have  renounced  those  narrow, 
selfish  views,  and  are  to  let  our  improvements 
take  a free  course  for  the  benefit  of  our  brethren 
and  our  country.” 

We  give  another  passage  from  one  of  his 
letters  to  Bentley  : would  propose  for  this 

winter’s  sale  of  vases  four  species  only,  viz., 
blue  pebble,  variegated  pebble,  black  Etrus- 


148 


Josiah  'Wedgioood 


can,  and  Etruscan  encaustic.  These,  witli 
the  variations  of  sizes,  forms,  and  orna- 
ments, gilding,  veining,  bas-reliefs,  etc.,  Avill 
produce  business  enough  for  all  the  hands  we 
can  possibly  get  together.  . . I shall  be  glad  to 
have  your  thoughts  upon  this  subject.  You’ll 
easily  observe  the  foundation  of  my  arguments 
is  money-getting.  Take  that  away,  and  the}^ 
all  drop  to  the  ground.  Instead  of  this,  if  you 
substitute  Fame  (and  my  bosom  begins  to  glow 
with  a generous  warmth  at  the  idea) — I say  if 
instead  of  money-getting  you  substitute  Fame 
and  the  good  of  the  manufacture  at  large  for 
our  principles  of  action,  then  we  should  do  just 
the  contrary  of  what  I have  been  recommending. 

“Make  all  the  good,  fine,  and  new  things  Ave 
can  immediately,  and  so  far  from  being  afraid 
of  other  people  getting  our  patterns,  Ave  should 
glory  in  it,  throAV  out  all  the  hints  Ave  can,  and 
if  possible  have  all  the  artists  in  Europe  Avork- 
irig  after  our  models.  This  Avould  be  noble, 
and  suit  both  our  dispositions  and  sentiments 
much  better  than  all  the  narroAV,  mercenary, 
selfish  trammels — the  coats  of  mail  Ave  are 
forging  for  our  reluctant  hearts,  to  case  and 
liamper  them  in  their  journey  through  life,  and 
prevent  all  benevolent  overflowings  for  tlie  good 
of  their  felloAV-citizens.  . . 

“ Wlien  the  public  are  witnesses  to  our  bestOAV- 
ing  so  much  pains  and  expense  in  the  improve- 
ment of  a capital  manufacture,  nay,  in  creating 


'Wedgwood'* s Artistic  Work  149 

a new  one,  and  that  not  for  our  particular 
emolument  only,  but  that  we  generously  lay  our 
works  open  to  be  imitated  by  other  artists  and 
manufacturers  for  the  good  of  the  community 
at  large,  this  would  certainly  place  us  in  a very 
advantageous  light  in  the  public  estimation.” 

In  another  letter  to  Bentley,  Wedgwood  says  : 
“A  German  has  called  and  says,  ‘They  have 
some  excellent  faience  and  porcelain  manu- 
factures in  Germany,  but  the  English  forms 
and  glazes  are  so  much  superior  that  they  sell 
before  them  all.’  I have,  indeed,  rather  too 
much  business  upon  my  hands,  especially  now 
that  you  have  left  me,  for  when  we  have 
been  together  some  time,  I feel  but  like  half 
myself  \n\\qx\  we  are  separated  ; but  I am  much 
comforted  with  the  thought  of  having  ^mu  here 
for  good  and  altogetlier.  We  shall  then  do 
something  to  be  talked  of.  . . Poor  Ben 

[Byerley],  I hope  he  has  repented  and  is  for- 
given by  this  time.  Love  has  very  different 
effects  upon  different  subjects  ; but  all  follies 
arising  from  that  cause  will  meet  with  every 
possible  indulgence  from  you,  who  have  the 
justest  and  most  elevated  notions  of  that  sub- 
lime passion  which  leads  us,  even  the  strongest 
of  us,  captives  at  its  will.” 

“1  have  just  returned,”  he  says,  “from 
Etruria,  wliere  the  workmen  are  busy  with 
vases.  I have  enough  to  do  to  make  the  pots 
and  manage  the  pot-makers,  though  man  for 


150 


JosiaJt  Wedgicood 


mail  I would  rather  have  to  do  with  a shop  of 
potters  than  painters.  While  I have  been  at 
Etruria,  they  have  had  here  [at  Bursleni]  Lady 
Gower,  Lady  Pembroke,  Lord  Robert  Spencer, 
and  others  to  breakfast.  This  is  the  second 
time  the  Trentham  family  have  been  here  while 
I was  absent,  but  it  cannot  be  helped.” 

In  an  appendix  to  the  same  letter  to  Bentley 
in  London  AYetlgwood  says  : 

‘‘  Trouble  me,  indeed  ! You  cannot  think  how 
happy  you  make  me  with  these  good,  long,  affec- 
tionate, and  instructive  letters.  They  inspire  me 
with  taste,  emulation,  and  every  thing  that  is 
necessary  for  the  production  of  fine  things,  and  I 
hope  in  a few  weeks  to  show  you  some  of  tlie 
effects  of  your  excellent  advice.  . . Oh, 

what  a feast  I have  by  this  post ! Thank  you 
for  it,  my  dear  and  \vell-beloved  friend.  . . 

Farewell,  and  believe  me  evermore. 

Yours,  J.  W.” 

“ I think  pride — a certain  kind  of  it  and  to  a 
certain  degree — is  productive  of  a world  of 
good  among  us  mortals,  who  stand  in  need  of 
every  incentive  to  great  and  good  actions.  . . 
I will  engage  to  supply  you  with  vases  enough 
for  all  the  good  painters  in  England.  You  say 
you  can  sell  a wagon-load  a week.  If  you  sell 
that  quantity  during  the  season,  you  must  have 
ten  wagon-loads  of  painters  to  finish  them.” 


V^edgwoocTs  Artistic  Work 


151 


Toward  tlie  end  of  1769  Wedgwood  was  so 
busy  with  the  manufacture  of  vases  that  he 
declined  to  accept  any  more  orders.  He  directed 
Bentley,  then  in  London,  to  refuse  or  postpone 
them  until  the  works  at  Etruria  could  be  prop- 
erly finished  for  their  execution.  William 
Wood  and  Denby  were  engaged  in  making 
medallions  and  bas-reliefs  from  the  gems  and 
intaglios.  Bentley  would  have  a share  of  them  ; 
but  they  must  proceed  methodically. 

Wedgwood  paid  another  visit  to  Bentley  to 
arrange  some  matter  concerning  the  house  at 
Chelsea  ; and  after  the  agreement  had  been 
settled  he  returned  to  Burslem,  or  rather  to 
Etruria,  at  the  beginning  of  November,  1769. 
Wedgwood  thus  cheerfully  communicated  his 
reception  at  his  new  house  to  his  friend  Bentley  : 

“We  were  three  days  upon  the  road  . . . 
but  at  the  last  stage,  Etruria,  I was  rewarded 
for  all  the  risk  and  pains  I had  undergone 
during  a tedious,  long,  and  dirty  journey.  I 
found  my  Sally  and  family  at  Etruria  ! just 
come  there  to  take  possession  of  the  Etruscan 
plains  and  sleep  upon  them  for  the  first  night  ! 
Was  not  this  very  clever,  now,  of  my  own  dear 
girl’s  contriving?  She  expected  her  Joss  on 
the  very  evening  he  arrived,  liad  got  the  dis- 
agreeable business  of  removing  all  over,  and  I 
would  not  have  been  another  night  from  home 
for  the  Indies  ! 

“To-night  we  are  to  sup  120  of  our  workmen 


152 


JosiaJi  Wedgicood 


in  the  town-hall,  and  shall  take  np  our  lodg- 
ings at  Burslem.  . . I do  not  know  when  I 
shall  write  again.  The  settling  of  these  new 
hands  will  find  me  a world  of  employment.” 

Wedgwood  desires  Bentley  to  send  him  gold 
precipitate  for  rose-color,  and  gold  powder. 
“ I am  in  immediate  want  of  fine  smalts  and 
ultramarine.” 

A great  deal  of  work  had  to  be  done  and 
money  spent  at  Etruria  before  the  works  and 
the  houses  for  the  accommodation  of  the  work- 
men and  their  families  were  completed.  Wedg- 
wood increased  the  number  of  his  lathes.  “I 
have  committed,”  he  said,  “a  sad  robbeiy  upon 
my  works  at  Burslem.  I have  taken  James 
Brown  to  Etruria,  tlie  only  turner  of  good  things 
I had  at  Burslem.  We  have  not  an  engine-turner 
left  there  now.  Poor  Burslem  ! poor  cream- 
color  ! They  tell  me  I sacrifice  all  to  Etruria 
and  vases  ! ” But  AYedgwood  had  no  alterna- 
tive. He  had  received  legal  notice  to  quit  the 
Brick  House  premises  ; the  landlord  himself 
intended  to  occupy  them. 

Then  about  money.  Of  course  the  estimates 
were  greatly  exceeded.  Wedgwood  wrote  to 
Bentley  that  he  required  more  money,  materials, 
and  hands  to  finish  tlie  buildings.  I want  at 
least  three  thousand  pounds  for  the  purpose — 
not  a farthing  less  ; so  you  must  either  collect 
or  take  a place  for  me  in  the  Gazette.'''^  After 
the  buildings  for  the  manufactory  and  the 


Wedgwood'^s  Artistic  Work 


153 


houses  for  the  workmen  and  their  families, 
there  was  his  own  mansion,  Etruria  Hall,  to  he 
erected.  His  family  had  for  some  time  occu- 
pied the  house  intended  for  Mr.  Bentley,  hut 
which  he  never  occupied.  In  the  meantime  tlie 
other  huildings  went  forward,  and  the  kilns 
Avere  huilt  hy  degrees. 

Money,  however,  was  found ; houses  were 
huilt  ; Etruria  Hall  was  proceeded  Avith,  the 
grounds  being  under  the  direction  of  Capabil- 
ity Brown.  The  mansion,  Avhen  completed,  was 
a fine  and  roomy  building,  looking  to  the  south, 
with  a lake  in  front,  and  surrounded  with  a 
true  English  garden.  Dr.  DarAvin,  when  writ- 
ing to  WedgAvoocl,  said  that  Captain  Keir  of 
Birmingham  admired  the  plan  of  the  house  and 
grounds,  and  said  it  Avas  fit  for  the  dAvelling  of 
a prince. 

But  the  manufactures  conducted  at  Etruria 
were  the  prime  consideration.  The  first  works 
used  there  Avere  the  Black  Works,  so  called 
from  the  manufacture  of  the  black  basalts.  But 
Wedgwood  went  on  from  one  ornamental  Avork 
to  another.  The  demand  for  vases  continued 
to  increase,  in  various  forms — original  as  Avell 
as  copied  from  the  antique,  medallion  bas- 
reliefs,  intaglios  of  many  descriptions,  and 
portraits  of  distinguished  persons,  some  of 
which — those,  for  instance,  executed  by  Hack- 
wood — are  quite  historical. 

Wedgwood  and  Bentley  Avere  great  oppo- 

7-v. 


154 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


iients  of  the  slave  trade,  and  one  of  their  earliest 
productions  at  Etruria,  most  probably  modelled 
by  Hackwood,  was  a chained  negro  in  a suppli- 
catory attitude  with  a motto  round  it  of:  ‘‘Am  I 
not  a man  and  a brother?”  This  was  one  of 
their  most  popular  productions  at  the  time  it 
was  issued. 

Wedgwood  occasionally  went  to  London  to  see 
and  interview  his  partner  as  to  the  state  of  affairs. 
Bentley  drove  Wedgwood  about  in  the  chariot 
and  pair  which  he  now  possessed.  Among  the 
visits  which  they  paid  was  one  to  their  Maj- 
esties the  king  and  queen  in  order  to  present 
some  bas-reliefs  which  the  queen  had  ordered, 
and  to  show  some  of  their  recent  improvements 
in  the  manufacture  of  vases.  The  interview 
was  satisfactory  in  every  respect.  Bentley 
wrote  from  Chelsea  to  his  Liverpool  partner 
(l^th  December,  l^VO)  : “The  king  is  well 
acquainted  with  business,  and  with  the  char- 
acters of  the  principal  manufacturers,  mer- 
chants, and  artists ; he  seems  to  have  the 
success  of  our  manufactures  much  at  heart, 
and  to  understand  the  importance  of  them. 
The  queen  has  more  sensibility,  true  polite- 
ness, engaging  affability,  and  sweetness  of 
temper  than  any  great  lady  I ever  had  the 
honor  of  speaking  to.” 

Wedgwood,  however,  did  not  rely  much  upon 
royal  favors.  He  depended  mostly  upon  him- 
self and  his  constant  efforts  to  improve  his 


Wedgwood’s  Artistic  Work  155 

manufactures.  He  would  not  tolerate  indiffer- 
ence or  idleness.  Every  thing  must  be  done  in 
the  best  style.  “ In  my  first  essays  upon  vases,” 
he  said,  “ I had  many  things  to  learn  myself, 
and  every  thing  tojeach  the  workmen,  who  had 
not  the  least  idea  of  beauty  or  proportion  in 
what  they  did.”  When  he  went  through  his 
workshops  and  found  a plate,  a teapot,  or  a vase 
or  candlestick  not  properly  made,  he  would  take 
up  the  stick  on  which  he  usually  leaned,  and 
break  it  to  pieces,  saying  : This  won’t  do  for 
Josiah  Wedgwood ! ” 

With  him  the  ruling  motive  was  intense  per- 
severance. He  studied  chemistry  with  a view 
to  the  improvement  of  his  manufactures.  He 
tried  experiments  on  clays  of  all  sorts,  mixing 
them  with  earths  of  different  colors.  And  yet 
during  this  period  he  was  laboring  under  illness 
which  might  have  depressed  his  spirits.  But 
he  bore  up  against  every  thing.  He  employed 
new  artists,  and  arranged  new  models  of  Greek 
statues  and  medallions  from  ancient  gems. 

At  the  beginning  of  17 70  he  was  building 
new  ovens.  He  had  thirty  men  employed  in 
making  vases,  and  they  had  to  be  constantly 
superintended.  There  was  also  the  modelling 
of  Hay  as  a companion  to  Higlit,  and  the  fin- 
ishing  of  A]3ollo  and  Hapline,  of  which  works 
Bacon  was  the  modeller.  While  giving  instruc- 
tions to  his  many  artists  and  workmen,  Wedg- 
wood himself  was  suffering  from  the  complaint 


156 


Josiah  Wedgiuood 


in  his  eyes.  “It  is  just  dark,”  he  once  said, 
“ and  I am  absolutely  forbidden  to  write  or 
read  by  candle-light.”  He  began  to  fear  con- 
tinual darkness  ; he  was  even  afraid  of  his  brain 
becoming  affected.  Still  he  held  on  his  way, 
and  “steered  right  onward.’^ 

In  case  of  his  worst  fears  being  realized  he 
wrote  to  Bentley,  stating  that  he  wished  him 
to  learn  the  art  of  pot-making  under  him,  so 
that  in  the  event  of  his  death  the  art  might  not 
die  with  him.  When  he  ought  to  have  gone 
to  London  for  an  oculist’s  advice  about  his 
eyes,  he  had  to  postpone  the  journey  on  account 
of  his  workmen.  “ I have  150  hands  at  Etruria, 
as  well  as  others  at  Burslem,  and  how  to  leave 
them  without  a head  I do  not  know.  I have 
five  hundred  pounds’  worth  of  vases  in  the 
oven,  I packed  upward  of  twelve  hundred 
pounds’  worth  at  Burslem  last  year,  and  am 
nevertheless  as  poor  as  a church  mouse.” 

In  the  midst  of  his  troubles  his  faithful  and 
devoted  wife  went  to  Spen  Green,  in  Cheshire, 
to  nurse  her  father  during  an  attack  of  fever, 
and  the  loss  of  his  companion  tried  him  sorely. 
Pie  went,  however,  to  join  her  there  during 
a few  days  in  the  depth  of  winter.  On  the 
10th  of  January  he  was  at  Spen  Green, 
wmather-bound,  while  the  snow  wms  falling 
very  heavily,  but  ere  long  the  recovery  of  the 
invalid  enabled  Wedgwood  and  his  wife  to 
return  to  Etruria. 


'Wedgioood''s  Artistic  Work 


157 


At  the  same  time,  apart  from  these  draw- 
backs, the  business  had  been  very  prosperous. 
Continuous  orders  were  coming  in  ; there  was 
still  the  rage  for  vases  ; the  demands  for  the 
queen’s  ware  were  steadily  rising  ; and  there 
seemed,  provided  his  health  were  preserved,  a 
sure  prospect  of  an  eventual  fortune. 


CHAPTER  XIV 


• POETKAITS — MEDALLIONS — AKTISTIC  WOEK 

In  the  pre-Wedgwood  days,  when  England 
was  for  the  most  part  dependent  for  its  supply 
upon  the  earthenware  manufacturers  of  Delft, 
in  Holland,  and  the  porcelain  manufacturers 
of  Limoges  and  Sevres,  in  France,  that  country 
had  comparatively  little  market  for  its  fictile 
ware  in  any  foreign  country.  But  now  there 
was  a large  and  increasing  demand  for  English 
pottery. 

“And  do  you  really  think,”  Wedgwood  wrote 
to  Bentley  in  September,  1770,  “that  we  might 
make  a complete  conquest  of  France  ? Conquer 
France  in  Burslem  ! My  blood  moves  quicker  ; 
I feel  my  strength  increases  for  this  conquest. 
Conquer  France  by  pottery  ware  ! Pots,” 
continues  Wedgwood,  “how  vulgar  it  sounds  ! ” 
Yet  he  w^as  supported  by  Boulton  of  Soho,  who 
told  him  how  the  French  were  buying  vases  in 
London — how  they  took  them  over  to  Paris, 
mounted  and  ornamented  them  wdth  metal,  and 
sold  them  to  milords  Anglais  as  the  greatest 
rarities.  “You  remember,”  says  Boulton,  “we 
saw  many  such  things  at  Lord  Bolingbroke’s 
which  he  brought  over  wdth  him  from  France.” 


Portraits — Medallions — Artistic  Work  159 


With  respect  to  ordinary  ware,  the  demands 
for  Wedgwood’s  manufactures  were  constantly 
increasing  in  France,  Italy,  and  over  the  Con- 
tinent generally,  as  well  as  in  North  America 
and  the  West  Indian  islands.  See  what  Faujas 
de  Saint  Fond,  professor  of  geology  in  the 
Museum  of  Natural  History,  Paris,  says  of  the 
superior  merits  of  Wedgwood’s  ware  in  his 
“ Travels  in  England  ” : “ Its  excellent  work- 

manship, its  solidit}^,  the  advantage  which  it 
possesses  of  withstanding  the  action  of  fire,  its 
fine  glaze,  impenetrable  to  acids,  the  beauty, 
convenience,  and  variety  of  its  forms,  and  its 
moderate  price,  have  created  a commerce  so 
active  and  so  universal  that  in  travelling  from 
Paris  to  St.  Petersburg,  from  Amsterdam  to  the 
farthest  point  of  Sweden,  from  Dunkirk  to  the 
southern  extremity  of  France,  one  is  served 
at  every  inn  from  English  earthenware.  The 
same  fine  article  adorns  the  tables  of  Spain, 
Portugal,  and  Italy  ; and  it  provides  the  car- 
goes of  ships  to  the  East  Indies,  the  West 
Indies,  and  America.” 

Wedgwood  was  also  greatly  indebted  to  Sir 
William  Hamilton  for  his  researches  and  dis- 
coveries in  connection  with  ancient  art.  While 
ambassador  at  Naples,  he  encouraged  and  sup- 
ported the  investigations  at  the  buried  city  of 
Herculaneum.  In  176G-G7  he  published  his  “An- 
tiquitos  Etrusques,”  which  furnished  Wedg- 
wood with  many  of  his  patterns  for  Etruscan 


IGO 


Josiah  Weclgicoocl 


vases.  At  a future  period  of  liis  life  Hamilton 
was  a frequent  correspondent  with  AYedgwood 
in  his  efforts  to  improve  English  art.  Sir  AYil- 
liam’s  first  publication  will  remain  a monument 
of  his  patriotism  and  his  taste  ; but  it  could 
not  have  been  productive  of  its  full  and  proper 
advantages  in  improving  the  general  taste  with- 
out a multiplication  and  diffusion  of  accurate 
copies  of  the  beautiful  originals.  And  this 
AVedgwood,  by  his  industry  and  discoveries, 
was  enabled  to  perform  with  advantage  to  him- 
self and  the  public. 

The  execution  of  such  a work  presented  dif- 
ficulties which  were  at  that  time  believed  to  be 
insurmountable.  Tlie  vases  of  ancient  Etru*-’ia 
were  painted  with  durable  colors  burned  in 
by  fire,  but  perfectly  free  from  the  glossy  or 
shining  aspect  of  enamel  paintings  ; and  the 
application  of  these  colors  appears  to  have  been, 
even  in  the  time  of  Plin}^  one  of  tlie  lost  arts 
of  preceding  ages.  AA^edgwood  never  would 
have  attempted  the  rediscovery  of  the  lost  art 
if  some  previous  experiments  of  his  own  had 
not  given  him  a glimpse  of  success,  which  was 
at  length,  by  perseverance,  completely  attained. 
Ilis  colors  were  fully  as  beautiful  as  the 
originals,  and  susceptible  of  greater  variety  ; 
like  these  also  they  possessed  the  advan- 
tage of  never  spreading  in  the  fire  or  run- 
ning out  of  drawing,  as  all  enamel  colors 
must  do,  in  a greater  or  less  degree,  in  conse- 


Portraits-- Medallions— Artistic  IVork  161 

quence  of  their  vitrifying  and  melting  upon 
tlie  piece. 

For  this  discovery  Wedgwood  took  out  a 
patent— the  only  patent  he  ever  registered.  He 
had  a dislike  to  patents,  for  the  defence  of  pat- 
ents against  pirates  required  the  expenditure  of 
more  money  than  they  were  worth.  His  object 
was  to  go  ahead,  and  keep  in  advance  of  the 
pirates  by  his  new  improvements  and  discov- 
eries. It  was  more  by  the  advice  of  his  friends 
than  from  his  own  unbiassed  judgment  that  he 
took  out  this  special  patent.  He  was  content 
with  the  advantages  he  had  already  acquired,  and 
was  better  pleased  to  see  thousands  made  happy 
by  following  him  in  the  same  career  of  indus- 
try tlian  he  could  be  by  any  exclusive  enjoy- 
ment for  himself.  He  was  opposed  to  patents 
on  another  account  : because,  in  most  cases, 
while  they  tied  up  the  hands  of  our  own  coun- 
trymen, they  laid  tlie  discovery  open  to  any 
foreigners  who  might  think  it  worth  their  while 
to  take  them  up,  and  propagate  them  to  their 
own  advantage,  and  to  our  loss.  Nevertheless, 
Wedgwood  took  out  this  his  only  patent,  and 
he  was  afterward  called  upon  to  defend  it. 

Of  the  “first  fruits  of  Etruria,” — formed 
by  Wedgwood  on  the  potter’s  wheel,  and  the 
wheel  turned  by  Bentley, — some  were  dej^osited 
in  the  foundation  of  Etruria  Hall,  and  the  rest 
were  sent  to  London,  but  not  for  sale.  When 
the  vases  were  called  for  by  the  public  in  large 


1G2 


JosiaJi  Wedgicood 


quantities,  a work  was  established  at  Chelsea 
under  the  direction  of  Bentley,  who  collected 
a large  number  of  artists  for  their  preparation. 
An  immense  number  of  the  vases  was  sold, 
both  at  home  and  abroad,  and  nearly  every  mu- 
seum possesses  specimens,  showing  the  state  of 
the  fictile  art  in  England  at  that  period. 

The  painted  Etruscan  ornaments  were  be- 
coming familiar  to  the  public  eye,  as  the  large 
demands  for  vases  made  them  comparatively 
common  ; and,  as  their  sale  began  to  decline, 
Wedgwood  availed  himself  of  his  large  supply 
of  artists  to  start  a new  manufacture.  His  dis- 
covery of  the  jasper  porcelain  enabled  him  to 
copy  another  branch  of  ancient  art — that  of 
modelling  cameos,  or  heads  and  artistic  figures 
engraved  in  relief. 

Professor  Church,  in  his  admirable  paper  on 
Josiah  Wedgwood  in  Ilamerton’s  Portfolio  for 
March,  1894,  says  that  it  was  Wedgwood’s 
‘‘  appreciation  of  antique  gems  cut  in  onyx  and 
niccolo  that  led  him  to  invent  the  most  original 
and  the  most  beautiful  of  all  the  ceramic  ma- 
terials with  which  he  worked.  This  was  the 
jasper  bodjg  or  jasper  paste.  Though  it  may 
be  roughly  described,  when  in  its  simplest 
form,  as  opaque  and  white,  its  opacity  and 
whiteness  were  susceptible  of  considerable  va- 
riation. Sometimes  it  has  the  deadness  of 
chalk,  but  the  finer  varieties  possess  the  deli- 
cate hue  and  faint  translucency  of  ivory  or 


Portraits — Medallions-— Artistic  Worh  163 

vellum.  Wedgwood  and  bis  artists  took  ad- 
vantage of  this  translucent  character  of  the 
white  jaspei'j  as  it  allowed  the  color  of  the 
ground  to  appear  in  a slight  degree  through 
the  thinner  parts  of  the  cameo  reliefs,  and  thus 
suggested,  as  in  some  draperies,  the  idea  of  a 
fine  and  light  texture.  On  the  other  hand, 
there  were  many  subjects  and  styles  of  treat- 
ment where  any  marked  degree  of  translucency 
in  the  material  used  for  the  reliefs  was  of  de- 
cided disadvantage  ; here  the  more  opaque 
varieties  of  the  jasper  body  were  preferred. 
The  smoothness  of  surface  which  this  ware,  as 
made  by  Josiah  Wedgwood,  almost  invariably 
possessed  is  delightful  at  once  to  the  senses  of 
touch  and  sight,  and,  moreover,  it  affords  one 
of  the  best  criteria  for  distinguisliing  old  work 
from  new.  It  was  caused  chiefly  by  the  ex- 
treme fineness  to  which  the  components  of  the 
jasper  body  were  reduced,  but  the  exact  adjust- 
ment of  the  temperature  of  firing  the  ware  to 
its  composition  doubtless  influenced  the  result.” 

This  material  was  called  jasper  from  its  re- 
semblance to  that  stone.  The  jasper- ware  was 
made  of  white  porcelain  bisque,  and  was  sus- 
ceptible of  receiving  colors  throughout  its 
whole  substance,  but  more  especially  of  being 
stained  with  fine  mazarine  blue.  Tliis  property 
of  receiving  colors,  wliich  no  other  body,  eitlier 
ancient  or  modern,  has  been  known  to  possess, 
rendered  it  peculiarly  fit  for  cameos,  portraits. 


1G4 


Josicih  WedgiDOod 


and  all  subjects  iu  bas-reliefs,  as  tlie  ground 
may  be  made  of  any  color  throughout,  the 
raised  figures  being  of  a pure  white. 

“ The  peculiarity  in  chemical  composition,” 
says  Professor  Church,  “ which  marks  out  the 
jasper-Avare  body  from  all  other  ceramic  pastes 
Avas  brought  about  by  the  introduction  of  a 
compound  of  the  element  barium.”  This  is 
chiefly  found  in  the  form  of  sulphate,  the  min- 
eral being  found  abundantly  in  Derbyshire, 
Avhere  it  is  known  as  cawk,  heavy  spar,  and 
barytes.  Wedgwood  had  been  experimenting 
on  the  mineral  as  early  as  the  year  1773.  By 
successive  experiments  he  perfected  his  in- 
vention. He  afterAvard  invented  his  “ jasper- 
dip,”  in  1777,  ill  order  to  economize  the  costl}^ 
use  of  cobalt  ; though  by  its  employment 
the  most  delicate  and  refined  effects  Avere 
produced. 

Nothing  can  long  remain  secret  in  the  pot- 
teries. The  Avorkmen  soon  spread  about  any 
ncAV  mode  of  manufacture.  Wedgwood  pre- 
served his  secret  for  about  tAvelve  years  ; but 
it  Avas  at  last  imitated  by  one  Turner,  though 
from  different  materials  ; and  it  Avas  in  the  end 
generally  adopted  in  Staffordshire,  though  Avith 
very  inferior  results,  by  other  manufacturers. 
It  is  rather  remarkable  that  this  manufacture 
Avas  carried  on  successfully  for  more  than  tAvelve 
years  before  anything  of  the  kind  had  been 
executed  by  any  other  person.  Wedgwood 


Portraits — Medallions — Artistic  Work  165 


seemed  to  have  been  more  attaclied  to  this  than 
to  any  other  part  of  his  productions,  and  to 
have  had  its  success  more  thoroughly  at  heart ; 
probably  from  the  early  bent  of  his  genius, 
which  led  him  to  imitate  in  clay  whatever  ob- 
ject happened  to  engage  his  attention.  He  had 
made  considerable  advances  in  it  before  he  had 
access  to  the  models  still  to  be  found  in  modern 
Rome,  and  while  he  had  no  other  assistance 
than  that  of  the  artists  whom  he  himself  had 
taught  ; but  when,  at  considerable  expense,  he 
had  procured  copies  or  casts  of  the  most  cele- 
brated bas-reliefs,  he  made  vases  and  other 
artistic  works  which  obtained  for  his  produc- 
tions a distinguished  rank  among  the  fine  arts 
of  the  a2:e. 

The  amount  and  variety  of  work  done  by 
Wedgwood  almost  exceed  belief.  He  never 
absolutely  copied.  Though  obtaining  his  first 
idea  from  the  antique,  his  work  was  for  the  most 
part  original.  He  varied  his  forms,  adding 
many  beautiful  variations  in  the  flowers  and 
festoons  which  ornamented  his  jars  and  vases. 
He  produced  candlesticks,  buttons,  flower-pots, 
sphinxes,  tritons,  dolphins,  crouching  lions,  at 
first  in  black  basalt,  and  afterward  in  jasper. 
He  went  on  from  one  ware  to  another,  always 
improving  them.  John  Coward  was  his  princi- 
pal modeller,  and  David  Rliodes  his  principal 
enarneller,  the  latter  remaining  with  the  firm 
until  his  death  in  1777.  Hackwood  was  prin- 


166 


Josiah  JVedgioood 


cipal  modeller  of  the  heads  of  men  of  distinc- 
tion and  genius. 

In  his  jasper-ware  he  produced  many  works 
of  great  artistic  merit.  In  a future  chapter  the 
medallions  of  Flaxman,  perhaps  the  greatest  of 
English  sculptors,  will  be  referred  to.  Wedg- 
wood’s aim  was  to  produce  not  only  the  largest 
quantit}",  but  the  best  quality,  of  the  goods 
which  he  offered  for  sale.  He  went  over  his 
workshops  and  watched  the  workmen  carefully. 
They  knew  the  peculiar  thud  of  his  wooden  leg 
as  he  mounted  the  stairs  leading  to  the  work- 
shops. He  always  carried  a stick  because  of 
his  lameness.  When  any  vessel  failed  to  sat- 
isfy him,  because  of  its  want  of  geometrical 
proportions,  he  would  take  up  his  stick  and  at 
once  break  it  to  pieces. 

He  was  greatly  influenced  by  the  advice  of 
his  lady  friends.  While  producing  his  pyram- 
idal flower-pots,  he  consulted  Miss  Fothergill, 
the  eminent  botanist’s  sister,  as  to  their  orna- 
mental decoration.  She  was  almost  as  good  a 
botanist  as  her  brother.  “ I speak  from  experi- 
ence in  female  taste,”  he  wrote  to  Bentley, 

without  which  I should  have  made  but  a poor 
figure  among  mj^  pots,  not  one  of  Avhich,  of 
any  consequence,  is  finished  without  the  appro- 
bation of  my  Sally.” 

Wedgwood  was  also  greatly  indebted  to  Mrs. 
Southwell  for  her  excellent  hints  about  the  dec- 
oration of  his  ornamental  flower-pots.  ‘‘  She  is 


Portraits — Medallions — Artistic  Work  167 

a charming  woman,”  he  wrote  to  Bentley  ; I 
am  more  and  more  in  love  with  her  every  time 
I see  her  ; and,  having  such  a mistress  in  the 
science  of  flower-pot  dressing,  I hope  our  future 
productions  will  show  that  I have  profited  ac- 
cordingly.” He  was  also  helped  by  older  and 
more  illustrious  patrons  : Lady  Dover  and  Lady 
Teignham  were  ladies  of  great  taste,  and  cheer- 
fully assisted  Wedgwood  in  his  efforts  in  flow- 
er-pot and  brooch  decoration. 

To  forward  his  views  as  to  decorative  im- 
provement he  requested  Hhodes  to  advertise 
again,  and  invite  any  hands  that  had  been  em- 
ployed in  painting  figures,  flowers,  jars,  or  other 
decoration  on  china  to  apply  to  him  in  Little 
Clieyne  Row,  Chelsea,  where  they  would  find 
profitable  employment.  “ Wliat  has  become,” 
he  wrote  to  Bentley,  ‘‘of  your  scheme  for  tak- 
ing  in  girls  to  paint  ? Have  you  spoken  to 
Mrs.  Wright?  Mr.  Coward,  too,  said  he  could 
tell  you  of  some  fan-painters.  You  observe 
very  justly  that  few  hands  can  be  got  to  paint 
flowers  in  the  style  we  wish  them  to  be  done — 
I may  add,  nor  any  other  work  we  do.  We 
must  make  them.  There  is  no  other  way.  We 
have  stepped  forward  before  the  other  manu- 
facturers, and  we  must  strive  to  train  up  hands 
to  suit  our  purposes.  Where,  among  our  pot- 
ters, could  I get  a complete  vase-maker?  Nay, 
I could  not  get  a hand  througli  the  whole  pot- 
tery to  make  a table-plate  without  training  him 


168 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


up  for  that  purpose  ; and  you  must  be  content 
to  train  up  such  painters  as  offer,  and  not  turn 
tliem  adrift  because  tliey  cannot  immediately 
form  their  liands  to  our  new  style,  which,  if  we 
consider  what  they  have  been  doing  all  their 
life,  we  ought  not  to  expect  from  them.” 

Wedgwood  proceeded  to  press  Bentley  about 
his  proposed  drawing  and  modelling  school  for 
the  purpose  of  training  up  artists.  lie  Avould 
employ  young  boys  and  girls,  and  set  them 
drawing  and  modelling  until  they  were  profi- 
cient ; and  when  any  new  modellers  Avere 
Avanted,  draft  them  out  of  this  school.  In  the 
meanwliile  Wedgwood  sent  some  neAV  painters 
to  London  from  Etruria.  Some  of  them  Avent 
by  Avagou  ; Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilcox  Avere  a Aveek 
on  the  road,  A\  ilh  their  pencils  and  brushes 
tied  in  a bundle.  Those  Avho  Avent  by  the 
lumbering  coach  Avere  three  days  on  the  road. 
What  a difference  in  the  rate  of  travelling 
nowadays  ! 

We  have  already  said  that  Wedgwood  aimed 
at  producing  the  largest  quantity^  as  well  as  the 
best  quality^  of  the  goods  Avhich  he  offered  for 
sale.  In  one  of  his  catalogues  he  said:  “A 
competition  for  chea'pness,  and  not  for  excellence 
of  10 orhmcinsl lip ^ is  the  most  frequent  and  cer- 
tain cause  of  the  rapid  decay  and  entire  de- 
struction of  arts  and  manufactures.  . . This 
observation  is  equally  applicable  to  manufact- 
ures and  to  the  productions  of  the  fine  arts  ; 


Portraits — Medallions — Artistic  Work  169 


bat  the  degradation  is  more  fatal  to  the  latter 
than  the  former,  for,  though  an  ordinary  piece 
of  goods  for  common  use  is  always  dearer  than 
the  best  of  the  kind,  yet  an  ordinary  and  taste- 
less piece  of  ornament  is  not  only  dear  at  any 
price,  but  absolutely  useless  and  ridiculous.  . . 
The  proprietors  of  this  manufactory  do  not 
produce  works  for  those  who  estimate  them  by 
their  magnitude^  and  who  would  buy  pictures 
at  so  much  a foot.  They  have  been  happy  in 
the  encouragement  and  support  of  many  illus- 
trious persons  who  judge  of  the  works  of  art 
by  better  principles  ; and  so  long  as  they  have 
the  honor  of  being  thus  patronized  they  will 
endeavor  to  support  and  improve  the  quality 
and  taste  of  their  manufactures.” 

Down  to  the  discovery  of  the  jasper-ware  by 
Wedgwood  his  goods  were  mostly  eartliemcare^ 
and  this  was  shortly  after  changed  for  its  supe- 
rior, porcelain.  In  a future  chapter  we  shall 
describe  soft  and  hard  porcelain  ; because 
Wedgwood  afterward  made  a journey  to  Corn- 
wall in  search  of  the  material.  He  continued 
employing  modellers — Tassie  on  Apollo  and 
Dapline  ; Bacon  on  Night  and  the  God  of  Day  ; 
Mrs.  Landre  on  Neptune  and  a large  sea  nympli 
for  a pair  of  candelabra.  lie  contrived  many 
of  these  inventions  in  order  to  provide  employ- 
ment for  his  artists  on  the  declining  demand 
for  the  Etruscan  vases.  The  public,  he  said, 
were  becoming  surfeited.  He  was  satisfied, 
8 


170 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


Iiowever,  as  a large  demand  continued  to  exist 
for  Ills  useful  ware. 

On  the  31st  of  May  lie  wrote  to  Bentley  of 
wliat  lie  called  St.  Amputation  Day.  He  must 
have  been  mistaken,  as  his  leg  was  amputated 
on  the  8th  of  the  month.  Some  of  his  orna- 
mental ware  failed.  “ I condole  with  you 
[Bentley]  on  the  return  of  your  elephant,  and 
Avill  send  you  no  more  of  such  cumbrous  ani- 
mals. For,  as  the  lady  said,  I fear  we  made  a 
bull  when  we  first  made  an  elephant.  I have 
given  over  the  thought  of  making  any  other 
color  but  queen’s  ware.  The  white  ware  would 
be  much  dearer,  and,  I apprehend,  not  much 
better  liked.  The  queen’s  ware,  while  it  con- 
tinues to  sell,  gives  quite  as  much  business  as  I 
can  manage.” 

Notwithstanding  the  failure  of  the  orna- 
mental ware,  Wedgwood  Avrote  to  Bentlc}^  on 
the  2d  August,  1770  : ‘‘In  Ireland  there  seems 
to  be  a violent  vase  mania  breaking  out.  We 
must  take  a room  in  Dublin  and  conquer  the 
Irish  by  our  vases.  The  Duke  of  Leinster  is  in 
raptures  with  a pair  of  our  vases  given  to  him 
by  the  Duke  of  Richmond.”  “ We  are  making 
two  or  three  Rockingham  vases.  They  are 
enormous  things — a yard  high,  and  Avill  be 
thirty-one  inches  Avhen  fired.  Pray  for  our 
success,  for  they  are  perilous  goods,  and  have 
many  chances  against  them.  But  they  are  a 
sacrifice  to  Fame,  and  we  must  not  look  back.” 


Portraits — Medallions — Artistic  Work  171 


Wedgwood  got  another  order  from  the  king 
for  a new  table-service,  and  was  allowed  to  ex- 
hibit it  for  a month.  This  improved  his  repu- 
tation and  his  business.  He  was  not  insensible 
to  reputation.  To  Bentley  he  said  : “ Let  us 
make  all  the  good,  fine,  and  new  things  we  can  ; 
and  so  far  from  being  afraid  of  other  people 
getting  our  patterns,  we  should  glory  in  it, 
throw  out  all  the  hints  we  can,  and,  if  possible, 
have  all  the  artists  in  Europe  Avorking  after  our 
models.  This  would  be  noble,  and  Avould  suit 
both  our  dispositions  and  sentiments  much 
better  than  all  the  narrow,  mercenary,  selfish 
trammels.  . . Plave  you  forgotten  how  our 
hearts  burned  Avithin  us  Avhen  Ave  conversed 
upon  this  subject  on  our  way  from  Liverpool  to 
Prescot?  We  Avere  then  persuaded  that  this 
open^  generous  plan  Avould  not  only  be  most 
congenial  to  our  hearts  and  best  feelings,  but  in 
all  probability  might  best  ansAver  our  Avishes  in 
pecuniary  advantages.  . . 

‘‘  When  the  nobility  Avitness  our  bestoAving 
so  much  pains  and  expense  in  the  improvement 
of  a capital  manufacture,  nay,  in  creating  a 
new  one,  and  that  not  for  our  particular  emolu- 
ment onl}^,  but  that  Ave  generously  lay  our 
Avorks  open  to  be  imitated  by  other  artists  and 
manufacturers  for  the  good  of  the  community 
at  large,  this  would  certainly  procure  us  the 
good  Avill  of  our  best  customers,  and  place  us 
in  an  advantageous  light  in  the  public  eye.  . . 


172 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


Witli  respect  to  rivalsliip,  we  will  cast  all  dread 
of  that  behind  our  back,  treat  it  as  a base  and 
vanquished  enemy,  and  not  bestow  another 
serious  thought  upon  it.” 

This  was  really  a noble  and  generous  mode 
of  action.  It  was  agreed  to  by  Bentley,  as  well 
as  by  Matthew  Boulton  of  Soho  ; and  it  was  in 
this  spirit  that  the  manufactures  of  Etruria  and 
Soho  were  carried  on. 

In  1770  we  find  Wedgwood  bringing  out  the 
Infant  Hercules  and  the  Somnus,  or  Sleeping 
Boy,  an  exquisite  subject  modelled  by  Coward 
from  the  antique  ; and  the  Autumn  (a  boy)  and 
Neptune,  modelled  by  Hoskins.  These  were 
mostly  of  black  basalts.  Wedgwood  was  still 
troubled  with  his  eyesight.  He  could  not  write 
by  candle-light,  and  every  moment  of  the  day- 
light was  absorbed  in  overseeing  the  vase- 
makers,  the  statuaries,  the  potters,  and  the 
other  workmen  at  the  manufactory.  He  was 
still  busy  with  the  service  for  his  Majest}^,  and 
with  the  large  Rockingham  vases. 

“Do  not  think,”  he  wrote  to  Bentley,  “ by 
what  I have  said,  that  my  eyes  are  worse,  but 
I am  sensible  of  my  danger,  and  the  last  attack 
may  be  sudden  and  not  give  me  an  opportunity 
of  communicating  many  things  which  I would 
not  have  to  die  with  me.  I know  how  ill  you 
can  be  spared  from  the  rooms,  but  I think  it 
will  be  better  to  suffer  a little  inconvenience  for 
the  present  than  leave  you  immersed  in  a busi- 


Portraits — Medallions — Artistic  Work  173 


ness  and  not  master  of  the  principal  part  of 
it.”  Wedgwood  still  wished  Bentley  to  be  at 
Etruria  to  learn  the  secrets  of  the  trade.  But 
his  gloomy  foreboding  remained  unfulfilled. 
His  wife  returned  to  him  from  Spen  Green. 
His  old  surgeon,  Dr.  Bent,  removed  his  disease, 
— which  was,  it  seems,  a liver  affection, — and  he 
was  able  before  long  to  resume  his  usual  busi- 
ness career. 

Wedgwood  was  not  only  troubled  with  his 
eyes,  but  with  his  artificial  leg.  He  could  not 
attend  a meeting  with  Boulton  and  Keir  at  Bir- 
mingham because  of  some  injury  to  his  pin  leg. 
Wedgwood  wrote  to  ‘‘Athenian”  Stuart, — one 
of  his  intimate  friends, — that  he  was  able  to  go 
abroad  again,  “ though,”  he  added,  “ I am  not 
fond  of  doing  so  in  frosty  weather,  being  not 
so  expert  a footman  as  I have  been,  and  a slip 
or  accident  to  my  better  leg  might  lay  me  up 
for  good  and  all.” 

His  business  avocations  never  interfered  with 
Wedgwood’s  love  for  his  family.  In  April, 
1771,  was  born  his  fourth  and  last  son,  Thomas. 
To  amuse  his  children  he  bought  a barrel-organ, 
which  played  many  tunes.  “ The  organ  arrived 
safe,”  he  wrote  to  Bentley,  “ and  a most  joyful 
opening  of  it  we  have  had.  About  twenty 
young  sprigs  were  made  as  happy  as  mortals 
could  be,  and  danced  and  lilted  away.  It  would 
have  done  your  heart  good  to  have  seen  them. 
I wish  we  had  had  your  sprightly  niece  with 


174 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


us  ; but  give  my  love  to  her.  Wlien  we  send 
tbe  organ  to  town  again,  it  shall  be  sent  to 
Clielsea  for  a week  or  two  for  her  amusement.” 

Sir  William  Hamilton,  British  ambassador  at 
Naples,  a great  friend  and  promoter  of  art, 
published  a series  of  splendid  volumes  on  Etrus- 
can, Greek,  and  Roman  antiquities,  from  which 
Wedgwood  copied  many  of  his  Etruscan  vases. 
In  June,  1773,  Sir  William  addressed  a letter 
from  Naples  to  Wedgwood  and  Bentley  as 
follows  : 

“ Gentlemen  : As  I have  nothing  more  at 
heart  than  to  contribute,  as  far  as  I can,  toward 
the  advancement  of  the  fine  arts  in  Great 
Britain,  and  as  your  manufacture  has  indeed 
already  done  great  honor  to  my  j^oor  endeavors, 
I have  the  pleasure  of  sending  you  a few  draAv- 
ings  of  most  elegant-formed  vases  which  are  in 
the  Great  Duke  of  Tuscany’s  collection,  and 
differ  from  those  found  in  my  collection.  They 
are  truly  worthy  of  your  imitation,  and,  as  the 
originals  are  simply  black  Avith  the  ornaments 
in  relief,  your  Avare  is  capable  of  imitating  them 
exactly.” 

Wedgwood  proceeded  to  copy  the  vases.  It 
may  be  added  that  Sir  William  Hamilton’s  val- 
uable collection  of  Greek  and  Etruscan  vases  is 
noAv  in  the  British  Museum,  together  Avith  many 
of  the  marbles  dug  up  from  Herculaneum, 


Portraits — Medallions — Artistic  Work  175 

now  in  tlie  Townley  Gallery  of  tlie  same 
museum. 

Hackwood,  the  modeller,  was  now  busily 
employed.  ‘‘I  hope,”  said  Wedgwood  to 
Bentley,  ‘‘that  you  have  read  Mr.  Elers’  fine 
letter.  We  are  preparing  to  send  down  the 
heads  of  all  the  illustrious  men  in  all  the  courts 
and  countries  of  Europe  to  be  immortalized  in 
our  artificial  jasper.” 

The  Paul  Elers  referred  to  was  the  father  of 
Richard  Lovell  Edgworth’s  first  wife.  He  was 
also  the  son  of  one  of  the  brothers  Elers  who 
came  into  Staffordshire  from  Germany  at  the 
close  of  the  seventeentii  century. 

The  first  heads  produced  were  those  of  the 
king  and  queen.  These  were  followed  by  por- 
traits of  Sir  Philip  Sidney,  tlie  Empress  of  Rus- 
sia, the  King  of  Prussia,  Earl  Gower,  Lord 
Mansfield,  Lord  Chatham,  the  King  and  Queen 
of  Portugal,  the  Duke  of  Bridgewater,  “Athe- 
nian ” Stuart,  and  many  others. 

Domestic  troubles  intervened.  Mrs.  Wedg- 
wood had  a severe  attack  of  rheumatism.  She 
was  bled  and  blistered.  When  she  was  well 
enough  to  leave  Etruria,  she  was  sent  to  Bux- 
ton. She  was  very  ill  on  her  return,  and  was 
“ wasted  almost  to  a skeleton,  scarcely  able  to 
walk  a few  yards.”  Dr.  Darwin  saw  her  from 
time  to  time  when  passing  on  his  rounds  of 
visits.  Besides  the  illness  at  home,  Wedgwood 
was  inexpressibly  sorry  to  hear  of  Bentley’s 


176 


JosiaJi  Wedgioood 


illness  in  London.  Wedgwood  urged  that 
he  should  be  sent  into  the  country  as  soon  as 
possible. 

Wedgwood  was  exceedingly  provoked  and 
humiliated  by  the  war  between  England  and 
America.  “I  am  ashamed,”  he  said,  ‘‘of  the 
absurdity,  folly,  and  wickedness  of  the  whole 
proceedings  with  America.  The  king  and  the 
House  of  Commons  are  entirely  to  blame  for 
it.”  “ Somebody,”  he  added,  “should  be  made 
to  say  distinctly  what  is  the  object  of  the  pres- 
ent most  wicked  and  preposterous  war  with  our 
brethren  and  best  friends.”  At  a later  period 
(April,  1778)  he  wrote  to  Bentley:  “How 
could  you  frighten  me  so  in  your  last  letter  ? 
It  was  very  naught}^  of  you.  I thought  of 
nothing  less  than  some  shelves,  or  perhaps  a 
whole  floor,  of  vases  and  crockeries  had  given 
way,  and  that  you  had  been  carried  down  with 
them  ! But  on  reading  a little  further  I found 
that  it  was  only  the  nation  that  was  likely  to 
flounder  into  a French  war  ; and,  having  been 
fully  persuaded  of  this  event  for  a long  time 
past,  I recovered  from  my  shock  and  blessed  my 
stars  and  Lord  North  that  America  was  free.^ 
I rejoice  most  sincerely  that  it  is  so,  and  the 
pleasing  ideas  of  a refuge  being  provided  for 
those  who  choose  rather  to  fly  from  than  submit 

* This  probably  refers  to  the  defeat  of  the  British 
Army — Burgoyne  surrounded  and  forced  to  capitulate 
at  Saratoga — thus  thwarting  the  policy  of  Lord  North. 


Portraits — Medallions — Artistic  Worh  IVV 

to  an  iron  hand  of  tyranny.  This  has  raised  so 
much  hilarity  in  my  mind  that  I do  not  at  pres- 
ent feel  for  our  own  situation  as  I maj^  do  the 
next  rainy  day.  We  must  have  more  war,  and 
perhaps  continue  to  be  beaten — to  what  degree 
is  in  the  womb  of  time.  If  our  drubbing  keeps 
pace  with  our  deserts,  the  Lord  have  mercy 
upon  us ! ” 

Here  is  the  state  of  Staffordshire  in  I'ZVS  : 
Wedgwood  writes  to  Bentley  as  follows : 
“For  some  time  past  tlie  environs  of  Newcastle 
have  rivalled  those  of  London  for  the  number 
and  audacity  of  highway  robberies,  and  Etruria 
does  not  yield  at  all  to  Turnham  Green.  Tlie 
workmen  dare  not  go  to  their  houses  in  the 
evenings  but  in  troops,  and  armed  with  clubs. 
On  Monday  night  last  there  were  three  highway 
robberies  between  this  place  [Etruria]  and 
Newcastle.  I got  some  knowledge  of  the  gen- 
tlemen on  Tuesday  morning,  and  sent  some  of 
my  people  in  pursuit  of  them,  who  brought  me 
in  two  of  the  robbers ; a third  is  brought  in 
this  morning,  and  we  have  sent  out  in  pursuit 
of  two  more.  Those  we  have  in  custody  have 
confessed  various  robberies,  and  those  of  their 
accomplices.”  At  Stafford,  where  the  robbers 
were  tried,  two  of  them  were  sentenced  to  be 
hanged,  and  the  others  were  acquitted  for  want 
of  sufficient  evidence. 

In  Majg  1778,  Wedgwood’s  brother-in-law, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Willet,  died  after  a long  illness. 

8^ 


178 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


He  was  calm,  serene,  and  sensible  to  the  last 
moment.  Wedgwood  wrote  to  his  friend  Bent- 
\ey  : 

‘‘The  decline  and  weakness  of  old  age 
afford  but  a melanchol}^  prospect  to  those  who 
feel  themselves  approaching  just  to  the  same 
state  ; and  from  the  observations  I have  made 
I find  the  oldest  men,  philosophers,  nay,  even 
Christians,  and  the  firmest  believers,  cling  as 
fast  to  this  wicked  world  as  younger  folks  and 
those  who  have  their  doubts  concerning  futurity. 
Well,  since  it  is  so  and  will  be  so,  let  us,  my 
dear  Bentley,  enjoy  and  diffuse  among  our 
friends  every  real  happiness  within  our  power, 
and  not  torment  ourselves  with  useless  anxieties 
nor  waste  an  hour  of  the  very  small  portion  of 
time  allotted  to  us  here.  I know  those  are 
your  sentiments,  and  I will  endeavor  to  make 
them  more  and  more  those  of  your  ever  affec- 
tionate friend,  Jos.  Wedgwood.” 


CHAPTER  XV 


GROWAN  CLAY  — KAOLIN  — BOTTGHER  — COOK- 
WORTHY— MANUFACTURE  OF  PORCELAIN 

The  rooms  in  Newport  Street  were  too  small 
for  the  exhibition  of  Wedgwood’s  more  im- 
portant works.  Tlie  principal  part  of  them 
were  accordingly  removed  to  Portland  House, 
Greek  Street,  Soho,  then  an  important  West 
End  quarter.  There  Bentley  was  in  his  glory. 
“ Be  so  good,”  wrote  Wedgwood  to  him,  as  to 
let  me  know  what  is  going  forward  in  the  great 
world  ; how  many  lords  and  dukes  visit  your 
rooms,  praise  your  beauties,  thin  your  shelves, 
and  fill  your  purses  ; and  if  you  will  take  the 
trouble  to  acquaint  us  with  the  daily  ravages 
in  your  stores,  we  will  endeavor  to  replenish 
them.”  Besides  his  dukes  and  duchesses,  Bent- 
ley was  visited  by  more  distinguished  persons. 
The  king  and  queen  inspected  his  storeroom  ; 
and  among  his  other  visitors  were  Athenian  ” 
Stuart,  Dr.  Solander,  and  Sir  Joseph  Banks. 

Bentley  was  a most  courtly  man.  He  was 
liandsome  in  person,  genial  in  manner,  a good 
scholar,  and  knew  many  languages.  None  could 
better  than  he  set  off  Wedgwood’s  ornamental 


180 


Josiah  WeclgiDOod 


ware,  tell  anecdotes  of  the  vases, bas-reliefs,  and 
cameos  with  which  the  rooms  were  stored;  and 
he  thus  deligdited  the  ladies,  who  not  only  ad- 
mired the  relater,  but  bought  his  ornamental 
wares. 

“Mrs.  Byerley,”  again  wrote  Wedgwood 
from  Etruria,  “ has  just  returned  from  London, 
and  brings  a strange  account  of  the  goings  on 
in  Newport  Street  : no  getting  to  the  door  for 
coaches,  nor  getting  into  the  rooms  for  ladies 
and  gentlemen  ; and  vases,  she  sa3^s,  are  all  the 
rage.”  The  rage  for  vases  as  well  as  for  queen’s 
ware  fell  off  ; but  Wedgwood  endeavored  to 
find  markets  for  the  new  productions.  He  even 
thought  of  employing  a rider  to  go  about  the 
country  and  tout  for  orders.  One  of  the  wares 
he  thought  of  producing  was  a new  variety  of 
basalts.  “ I am  well  assured,”  he  wrote  to 
Bentley,  “ that  painted  black  ware  with  en- 
caustic colors  will  have  a great  run.” 

The  painted  black  ware,however,  was  not  very 
successful.  Wedgwood  continued  his  efforts  to 
discover  the  cla}^  most  suitable  for  crucibles,  re- 
torts, mortars,  and  pestles.  His  experiments  oc- 
cupied a considerable  time,  and  it  was  not  until  he 
ascertained  that  the  clay  from  Cornwall  was  the 
most  suitable  that  his  mortars  obtained  the 
preference  over  all  others.  From  the  tests 
which  they  withstood  at  the  Apothecaries’ 
Hall  they  acquired  a reputation  which  has 
lasted  to  the  present  day. 


Groioan  Clay 


181 


The  Cornish  clay, — called  also  the  porcelain 
or  growan  clay, — was  suitable  for  many  pur- 
poses for  which  the  Staffordshire  clays  were  un- 
suitable. It  was  sent  by  sea  from  St.  Austell 
to  Liverpool,  and  from  thence  the  materials  for 
hard  porcelain,  mortars,  crucibles,  and  pyrome- 
ters were  sent  on  to  Etruria  to  be  Avorked  into 
their  proper  forms.  Hard  porcelain  was  of  so 
much  importance  in  the  manufacture  of  china 
that  it  is  necessary  to  make  some  special  refer- 
ence to  it.  Moreover,  Wedgwood  afterward 
made  a driving  tour  to  the  west  of  England  in 
search  of  this  porcelain  clay. 

Porcelain  was  manufactured  in  China, — from 
Avhich  country  it  obtained  the  name  Avhich  it 
still  retains, — long  before  it  was  known  in 
Europe.  Hard  porcelain  is  said  to  have  been 
invented  at  Sin-ping,  in  China,  as  long  ago  as 
185  years  before  Christ.  It  was  imported  into 
Europe  through  means  of  the  Arabs,  and  Avas 
sold  at  very  high  prices.  Kaolin  Avas  the  name 
given  by  the  Chinese  to  the  fine  white  clay 
Avhich  they  use  in  making  their  porcelain.  It 
is  produced  by  the  decomposition  of  a granite 
rock  the  constituents  of  which  are  quartz, 
mica,  and  feldspar — the  Avhole  having  gradually 
mouldered  into  kaolin  by  the  joint  action  of  air 
and  Avater. 

A very  similar  clay  occurs  in  the  south  of 
CoriiAvall, produced  by  the  decomposition  of  peg- 
matite— a granite  in  Avhich  there  is  scarcely  any 


182 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


mica  and  very  little  quartz.  A similar  clay  is 
found  at  St.  Yrieux  la  Perclie,  near  Limoges, 
in  France  ; at  La  Doccia,  near  Florence  ; at 
Capo  di  Monte,  near  Naples,  in  Italj^;  and  near 
Madrid  and  Oporto,  in  Spain  and  Portugal. 
Another  discoveiy  of  white  kaolin  was  made  at 
Aue,  in  Saxony,  in  1709,  to  which  a remarkable 
story  is  attached. 

lYrcelain  is  soft  or  hard,  but  the  latter  is  the 
more  important.  Soft  porcelain  was  first  man- 
ufactured at  St.  Cloud  in  1695,  but  after  the 
discovery  of  hard  porcelain  by  Bottgher  at 
Meissen,  near  Dresden,  the  manufacture  of  soft 
porcelain  was  discontinued  in  France,  and  noth- 
ing but  hard  porcelain  was  thereafter  manufact- 
ured at  Sevres.  The  story  to  which  we  refer 
is  as  follows  : 

John  Frederic  Bottgher  was  born  at  Schleiz 
in  1685,  and  at  twelve  years  of  age  he  was 
bound  apprentice  to  an  apothecary  at  Berlin. 
He  occupied  many  of  his  leisure  hours  in  chem- 
ical experiments.  Alcheny^  was  then  in  vogue, 
and  after  several  years  Bottgher  pretended  that 
he  had  been  able  to  convert  copper  into  gold. 
The  news  spread  abroad  that  the  apothecary's 
apprentice  had  discovered  the  grand  secret  of 
which  every  alchemist  was  in  search,  and  crowds 
came  from  all  quarters  to  see  the  “Young  Gold- 
Cook.”  Perhaps  it  may  have  been  to  the 
apothecary’s  advantage  to  notice  the  wonder 
excited  by  his  apprentice. 


Bottgher 


183 


Frederick  I.,  King  of  Prussia,  was  very  much 
in  want  of  money  at  tlie  time.  He  desired  to 
appropriate  at  once  the  great  converter  of 
copper  into  gold.  The  king  had  an  interview 
with  Bottgher,  who  presented  him  with  a piece 
of  gold  which  he  pretended  had  been  converted 
from  copper.  The  king  proposed  to  secure  the 
apprentice  and  imprison  him  in  the  strong 
fortress  of  Spandau  in  order  that  he  might 
continue  his  alchemical  operations  in  favor  of 
his  Majesty’s  needs.  Bottgher  heard  of  the 
project,  and,  probably  fearing  detection,  lie  fled 
from  Berlin  and  took  refuge  in  Saxony. 

A reward  of  a thousand  thalers  was  offered 
for  Bbttgher’s  apprehension,  but  on  arriving  at 
Wittenberg  he  placed  himself  under  the  pro- 
tection of  Frederick  Augustus  I.,  Elector  of 
Saxony  and  King  of  Poland.  The  elector  was 
quite  as  much  in  need  of  money  as  the  King  of 
Prussia,  and  he  would  not  surrender  his  young 
alchemist.  Bottgher  was  accordingly  lield  a 
prisoner.  He  was  conveyed  to  Dresden  under 
charge  of  a royal  escort  and  kept  under  strict 
guard. 

After  many  attempts  Bottgher  failed  to 
supply  the  wants  of  the  elector.  The  copper 
he  employed  remained  copper,  and  could  not 
be  converted  into  gold.  In  his  despair  he 
escaped  and  fled  to  Ems,  in  Austria,  but  tlie 
pursuers  were  close  at  his  heels  ; they  arrested 
him  in  his  bed,  and  carried  him  back  to  Saxony. 


184 


JosiaJi  Weclgicood 


lie  was  imprisoned  in  tlie  strong  fortress  of 
Konigstein.  The  elector  was  now  in  great 
distress  for  money.  Ten  regiments  of  Poles 
were  clamoring  for  their  arrears  of  pa^^  The 
3^oung  alchemist  was  told  that  unless  he  could 
make  gold  he  would  be  hanged  ! 

But  he  was  not  hanged.  He  went  on  making 
experiments,  but  with  no  success.  At  length 
one  of  his  wise  friends  came  to  him, — Walter 
von  Tschinhaus,  a maker  of  optical  instruments 
and  also  an  alchemist, — and  said  to  Bottgher, 
still  in  fear  of  the  gallows:  “If  you  can’t  make 
gold,  try  and  do  something  else  ; make  x>orce- 
lain!^'*  Some  rare  specimens  of  this  ware  had 
been  brought  from  China  by  the  Portuguese, 
and  were  sold  for  more  than  their  weight  in 
gold. 

Bottgher  at  once  acted  on  his  friend’s  hint, 
lie  began  his  experiments  on  clay,  working 
night  and  day.  After  many  failures  some  red 
clay  was  brought  to  him  for  the  purpose  of 
making  his  crucibles,  and  then  he  was  set  on 
the  right  track.  This  clay,  when  submitted  to 
a high  temperature,  became  vitrified  and 
retained  its  shape.  In  texture  it  resembled 
porcelain,  except  in  color  and  opacity.  He  had, 
in  fact,  accidentally  discovered  red  porcelain, 
and  he  manufactured  and  sold  it  as  porcelain. 

He  was  aware,  however,  that  the  transparent 
Avhite  color  was  an  essential  property  of  true 
porcelain.  Years  passed,  when  another  happy 


Bbttgher 


185 


accident  came  to  his  help.  One  day — in  the 
year  1707 — he  found  his  peruke  very  heavy 
and  asked  his  valet*  what  was  the  reason. 
The  valet  said  that  the  powder  with  which  the 
wig  was  dressed  consisted  of  a kind  of  earth 
that  was  much  used  for  hair-powder.  Bottgher 
at  once  thought  that  this  might  be  the  very 
earth  of  which  he  was  in  search.  He  at  once 
experimented,  and  found  that  the  principal 
ingredient  of  the  hair-powder  was  kaolin,  the 
want  of  which  had  so  long  formed  an  apparently 
insuperable  difficulty  in  the  way  of  his  investi- 
gations. 

This  discovery  proved  of  much  greater  im- 
portance than  the  young  alchemist’s  proposal  to 
convert  copper  into  gold.  Bottgher  presented 
the  first  piece  of  hard  porcelain  to  the  elector 
in  October,  1707.  The  elector  Avas  greatly 
pleased  with  it,  and  he  resolved  that  the  dis- 
coverer should  be  furnished  Avith  the  means  for 
perfecting  his  invention.  Bottgher  abandoned 
alchemy  for  pottery,  and  placed  over  the  door 
of  his  Avorkshop  these  Avords  : 

“ Almighty  God,  the  Great  Creator, 

Has  changed  a gold-maker  to  a potter.” 

The  porcelain  Avhich  Bottgher  manufactured 
being  found  to  sell  for  large  jArices,  the  elector 
determined  to  establish  a royal  manufactory  of 
porcelain.  Accordingly  a large  series  of  build- 
ings were  erected  at  the  Albrechtsburg  in  JMeis- 


180 


Josiali  ^Vedgicood 


sen.  Tlie  porcelain  manufactory  was  very 
successful,  and  the  large  prohts  soon  provided 
the  elector  with  the  gold  of  which  he  was  in 
search. 

It  is  pitiful  to  think  of  the  treatment  to  which 
Bottgher  was  subjected.  He  was  always  under 
strict  guard.  Soldiers  were  constantly  about 
him.  Two  royal  officers  were  put  over  him  at 
the  factory.  He  was  treated  as  the  king’s 
prisoner.  He  was  locked  up  nightly  in  his 
room,  with  a guard  of  soldiers  outside  to  pre- 
vent his  escape.  In  short,  he  was  enslaved.  No 
more  inhuman  treatment  was  ever  awarded  to 
an  important  discoverer.  At  last  the  poor 
fellow  took  to  drinking,  and  eventually  he  died, 
quite  broken  down,  in  March,  1719,  in  the  thirty- 
lifth  year  of  his  age.* 

The  merits  of  this  great  inventor  Avere  only 
publicly  recognized  a few  years  ago.  On  the 
17th  of  October,  1891,  a monument  was  erected 
to  the  memory  of  Bottgher  at  IMeissen  ; yet  182 
years  before,  in  1709,  he  had  established  the 
first  hard  porcelain  manufactory  in  Saxony. 
We  are  late  in  recognizing  the  memory  of  our 
Ijenefactors.  In  the  same  year  a statue  to 
Bernard  Paliss}^  Avas  unveiled  at  his  birthplace, 
Villeneuve-sur-Lot,  on  the  6th  of  July,  1891. 
Three  hundred  years  before  he  died  in  the 
Bastille  at  the  age  of  eighty.  He  was  a Protes- 

* A much  fuller  account  of  Bottgher  is  given  in  Self- 
Help. 


(Jookworthy 


187 


taut,  whicli  was  the  cause  of  his  imprisonment. 
The  valiant,  persevering  old  man  died  a martyr 
to  his  faith,  though  he  was  not  burned  at  the 
stake. 

The  porcelain  manufacture  became  so  pro- 
ductive  to  the  Elector  of  Saxony  that  his  ex- 
ample was  shortly  after  followed  by  European 
monarchs.  Every  care  was  taken  at  Meissen  to 
preserve  the  secret  ; but  where  many  workmen 
are  employed,  no  secret  is  safe.  A workman 
named  Stofzel  carried  it  to  Vienna  in  1'722, 
where  an  imperial  manufactory  for  the  manu- 
facture of  hard  porcelain  was  afterward  estab- 
lished. Royal  works  were  founded  at  Berlin, 
St.  Petersburg,  Munich,  and  at  Sevres,  in  1755, 
under  Louis  XV.,  wlien  the  manufacture  of  soft 
porcelain  was  almost  entirely  discontinued. 

The  introduction  of  hard  porcelain  into  Eng- 
land was  due  entirely  to  individual  enterprise. 
No  royal  powers  were  conferred  upon  its  first 
makers.  Yet  the  narrative  of  its  introduction 
is  not  without  interest.  Kaolin,  or  china  clay, 
was  discovered  in  Cornwall  by  William  Cook- 
worthy, a chemist  and  druggist  at  Plymouth. 
As  early  as  1745  his  attention  was  directed  to 
the  subject  of  porcelain.  He  made  experiments 
on  the  clays  of  Cornwall  and  Devon.  lie 
scientifically  and  carefully  examined  them. 
After  long  and  varied  experiments  he  dis- 
covered in  1768  that  the  materials  for  tlie 
manufacture  of  genuine  porcelain  existed  at 


188 


JosUiJi  ^Vedijwood 


Ti'egoiniiii  Hill,  in  the  parish  of  Germo,  between 
Ilelston  and  Penzance  ; and  also  in  the  parish 
of  St.  Stephens,  between  Trnro,  St.  Austell,  and 
St.  Ooloumb  ; as  well  as  at  Boconnoc,  near  the 
family  seat  of  Thomas  Pitt,  Lord  Camelford.^ 

There  is  a traditional  belief,  says  Mr.  Jewitt, 
that  Cookworthy  first  found  the  stone  he  was 
anxious  to  discover  in  the  tower  of  St.  Co- 
loumb  Church,  which  is  built  of  stone  from 
St.  Stephens,  and  this  led  him  to  the  sj^ot 
where  the  stone  was  to  be  procured. f At 
all  events,  having  made  the  important  dis- 
covery, Cookworthy  at  once  resolved  to  carry 
out  his  intention  of  making  porcelain,  and  en- 
deavored to  secure  the  material  for  himself. 
For  this  purpose  he  went  to  London  to  see  the 
proprietors  of  tlie  land,  and  to  arrange  for  pur- 
chasing the  royalty.  In  this  he  succeeded  ; 
and  ultimately  Lord  Camelford  joined  him  in 
the  manufacture  of  china.  It  appears  from  a 
letter  from  that  nobleman  to  Polwhele,  the  his- 
torian of  Cornwall,  that  the  two  expended 
about  three  thousand  pounds  in  prosecuting 
the  work. 

It  may  be  mentioned  that  the  Cornish  clay 
resembles  the  Chinese  kaolin.  It  is  locally 
known  as  growan.  It  is  found  in  the  granite 
of  several  districts  ; sometimes  it  contains  talc 

*Lord  Camelford  was  the  elder  brother  of  William 
Pitt,  Earl  of  Chatham. 

f Jewitt’s  “ Life  of  Wedgwood.” 


Cook'worthy 


189 


in  place  of  mica,  and  is  characterized  by  the 
partial  decomposition  of  the  feldspar.  The 
China  clay  or  porcelain  earth  requires  to  be 
carefully  and  constantly  washed  with  running 
water  until  it  is  perfectly  white.  It  is  after- 
ward consolidated,  dried,  and  cut  into  oblong 
blocks,  when  it  is  sent  to  the  nearest  port  and 
shipped  to  the  potteries,  there  to  be  manu- 
factured into  china  and  the  finer  kinds  of  earth- 
enware. 

‘‘The  materials  from  the  kaolin  of  St.  Ste- 
phens,” said  Cookworthy  when  speaking  of  his 
manufacture,  “ burn  to  a degree  of  trans- 
parency without  the  addition  of  petunse.* 
Indeed,  the  materials  from  this  place  make  a 
body  much  whiter  than  the  ascatea,  and,  I 
think,  full  as  white  as  the  ancient  china-ware 
or  that  of  Dresden.”  Cookworthy  established 
himself  as  a china  manufacturer  at  Plymouth, 
where  the  buildings,  called  China  House,  are 
still  to  be  seen. 

Cook  worthy,  being  an  experienced  chemist, 
paid  much  attention  to  the  production  of  a 
good  blue.  He  was  the  first  in  this  country 
who  succeeded  in  manufacturing  cobalt  blue 
direct  from  the  ore.  Some  of  the  articles  he 
produced  were  beautifully  modelled  from 
nature,  such  as  salt-cellars,  pickle-cups,  and 
toilet-pieces  in  the  form  of  shells  and  corals. 

* Tlie  fine  clay  used  by  the  Cliiiicse  with  the  kaolin 
in  their  manufacture  of  iiorcclain. 


190 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


The  china  manufacture  was  tolerably  successful 
in  Cookworthy’s  hands,  but  it  was  very  expen- 
sive. Coal  being  very  dear,  only  wood  was 
used  for  the  heating  of  the  kilns.  And  wood, 
too,  was  very  costly. 

The  ware  manufactured  by  Cookworthy  at 
Pl^miouth  consisted  of  dinner-services,  tea- 
and  coffee-services,  vases,  mugs,  jugs,  trinket- 
and  toilet-stands,  busts,  single  figures  and’ 
groups,  anirnals,  flowers,  birds,  madonnas,  and 
various  other  figures  copied  from  foreign  mod- 
els. But,  liowever  beautiful  Cookworthy’s 
works  were,  as  we  have  said,  they  were  by  no 
means  profitable.  After  a fcAV  years  Cook- 
Avorthy  took  out  a patent  for  the  manufacture 
of  a “ kind  of  porcelain  ncAvly  invented  by 
himself,  composed  of  moor-stone  or  groAvan, 
and  growan  clay.”  Tlie  patent  Avas  dated 
iVth  March,  1768. 

Cookworthy  Avas  resolved  to  make  his  porce- 
lain equal  to  that  of  Sevres  and  Dresden,  both 
in  body  (Avhich  he  himself  mixed)  and  in  orna- 
mentation. For  the  latter  purpose  he  procured 
the  services  of  such  artists  as  Avere  available  ; 
and  Avith  the  assistance  of  M.  Saqui  from 
Sevres,  an  excellent  painter  and  enameller,  and 
Henry  Bone,  a native  of  Plymouth,  he  Avas 
enabled  to  turn  out  some  very  beautiful  and 
excellently  painted  and  enamelled  specimens  of 
Pl^miouth  porcelain. 

Cookworthy  shortly  after  removed  his  Avorks 


Manufacture  of  Porcelain 


191 


to  Bristol  in  order  to  be  nearer  tlie  coal.  There 
he  carried  on  the  mannfactnre  of  porcelain,  bnt 
under  considerable  difficulties.  He  still  con- 
tinued to  lose  money.  He  and  one  of  his  part- 
ners, Lord  Camelford,  lost  about  three  thousand 
pounds  in  the  prosecution  of  the  undertaking. 
Cookworthy  was  about  seventy  years  old  when 
he  resolved  to  give  up  his  manufacture.  With 
the  willing  consent  of  his  partners  he  made 
over,  in  May,  1774,  the  business  and  his  patent 
rights  to  Richard  Champion  of  Bristol,  Cook- 
worthy only  reserving  for  himself  a share  of 
profit  from  the  china  clay  used  in  the  works. 

In  order  to  extend  the  period  of  the  patent 
riglit  a petition  was  presented  to  Parliament 
in  February,  1775,  applying  for  an  act  to  ex- 
tend the  term  of  Cookworthy’s  patent  for  a 
period  of  fourteen  years.  The  potters  of  Staf- 
fordshire strongly  opposed  the  extension  of  the 
patent.  Josiah  Wedgwood  was  appointed  their 
leader.  He  was  opposed  to  patents  general]}^ 
In  the  case  of  the  growan  clay  of  Cornwall  he 
Avas  of  opinion  that  the  extension  of  commerce, 
and  especially  of  earthenware  and  china,  de- 
pended upon  the  free  use  of  the  various  raw 
materials  which  Avere  the  natural  products  of 
the  country. 

Notwithstanding  Wedgwood’s  opposition, 
and  the  pamphlets  and  cases  Avhich  he  pub- 
lished against  the  extension  of  patent  rights, 
the  bill  passed  the  House  of  Commons,  througli 


192 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


the  influence  of  Edmund  Burke,  almost  unal- 
tered. But  when  it  reached  the  House  of 
Lords,  Lord  Gower  and  several  other  noble 
lords,  having  met  and  specially  considei-ed  the 
bill,  determined  to  oppose  it.  The  result  was 
the  introduction  of  two  clauses — the  fii’st 
making  it  imperative  on  Champion  to  enroll 
anew  his  specification  of  both  body  and  glaze 
within  four  months,  and  the  second  throwing 
open  the  use  of  the  raw  materials  for  potters 
for  any  purposes  except  the  manufacture  of 
porcelain.  These  modifications,  though  lim- 
ited, proved  of  much  advantage  to  the  Staf- 
fordshire potters. 

Champion  spared  no  pains  or  expense  in  turn- 
ing out  the  best  quality  of  work,  and  he  suc- 
ceeded in  producing  an  excellent  body  and  a 
remarkably  fine  glaze.  He  produced  some  truly 
exquisite  specimens  of  porcelain,  both  in  design, 
in  modelling,  and  in  painting.  But  the  Bristol 
manufactory  was  by  no  means  a success.  In 
about  two  years  after  obtaining  the  Act  of  Par- 
liament Champion  closed  his  works,  and  sold 
his  patent  right  to  a company  of  Staffordshire 
potters.  They  were  men  of  good  standing,  and 
carried  on  their  works  at  New  Hall,  Shelton, 
Champion  himself  removed  for  a time  into 
Staffordshire.  He  then  emigrated  to  South 
Carolina,  United  States,  where  he  died. 


CHAPTER  XVI 


Wedgwood’s  journey  into  Cornwall 

The  introduction  of  the  manufacture  of 
china-ware  into  Staffordshire  was  mainly  due  to 
the  exertions  of  Josiah  Wedgwood  in  taking 
means  for  throwing  open  the  use  of  the  raw 
materials  found  in  Devonshire  and  Cornwall  to 
manufacturers  of  pottery  in  every  part  of  the 
kingdom. 

In  order  to  make  personal  enquiries  as  to  the 
places  where  growan  stone  or  growan  clay  was 
found  in  Devonshire  and  Cornwall  Wedgwood 
resolved  in  1775  to  make  a journey  into  the 
south-western  counties  of  England.  He  was 
accompanied  by  Mr.  Turner,  one  of  the  earth- 
enware manufacturers  of  Lane  End,  as  well  as 
by  Mr.  T.  Griffiths,  who  was  to  be  their  agent, 
should  it  be  found  necessary  to  leave  him  be- 
hind them. 

‘‘  As  the  country  was  new  to  me,”  says  Wedg- 
wood in  his  Commonplace  Book,  “ I took  a few 
short  minutes,  in  the  chaise,  of  the  various  ap- 
pearances of  the  country  we  passed  through, 
which  afforded  a little  amusement  at  the  time, 
and  may  serve,  perhaps,  as  an  agreeable  com- 
9 


194  Josiah  Wedgioood 

panion  in  any  future  journey  into  the  same 
places.” 

The  Memorandum  Book  and  Commonplace 
Book,  from  which  we  select  the  following  ex- 
tracts, seem  not  to  have  been  examined  by  any 
of  Wedgwood’s  biographers.  At  least  no  no- 
tices of  them  have  been  published.  Yet  they 
are  very  curious  documents,  throwing  consid- 
erable light  upon  the  character  of  the  great 
potter.  Careful  and  cautious  observation  was 
his  principal  characteristic.  The  Commonplace 
Book  gives,  in  his  handwriting,  a long  account 
of  the  horse’s  foot ; he  describes  its  sole,  its 
treatment,  its  proper  shoeing,  and  so  on. 

He  gives  Mr.  Smeaton’s  views  on  the  expan- 
sion of  metals,  and  Dr.  Priestley’s  account  of 
the  different  kinds  of  air.  He  records  experi- 
ments on  different  kinds  of  cobalt,  with  obser- 
vations on  glazes,  clays,  zaffre,  and  nickel,  and 
the  method  of  producing  various  colors  after 
firing. 

In  his  Memorandum  Book  Wedgwood  de- 
votes whole  pages  to  experiments  on  thermom- 
eters. His  object  was  to  ascertain  the  principle 
of  certain  clays  diminishing  in  bulk  by  fire  ; 
his  trials  were  very  elaborate.  He  tried  various 
mixtures  of  clays  from  red  heat  up  to  the 
strongest  that  vessels  made  of  clay  can  support. 
He  records  that  “some  of  the  present  Cornish 
porcelain  clays  seem  to  be  the  best  adapted 
both  for  supporting  the  intensity  and  measur- 


'Wedgioood'’s  Journey  mto  Cor7iwall  195 


ing  the  degrees  of  heat.”  Eventually,  Wedg- 
wood published  the  results  of  his  experiments  ; 
and  he  was  elected  a Fellow  of  the  Royal  So- 
ciety while  under  the  presidency  of  Sir  Joseph 
Banks. 

Wedgwood  records  many  experiments  with 
a view  to  remedy  the  imperfections  of  flint 
glass  for  achromatic  instruments.”  He  pub- 
lished “An  Attempt  to  Discover  the  Cords  and 
Waviness  in  Flint  Glass,  and  the  most  probable 
means  of  removing  them.”  He  made  many 
experiments  on  the  artificial  crystallization  of 
alabaster.  Being  always  a close  observer,  he 
took  up  the  study  of  geology.  He  could  never 
be  idle,  even  on  his  journeys  from  London  to 
Etruria. 

In  his  Commonplace  Book  he  records  the 
geological  strata  between  London  and  Birming- 
ham, as  well  as  the  nature  and  character  of  the 
vegetation  through  which  he  passed.  At  his 
own  works  he  tested  every  thing.  He  would 
not  accept  the  dogmas  of  others,  but  observed 
for  himself.  He  possessed  great  power  as  an 
organizer.  He  kept  receipts,  for  reference,  on 
all  manner  of  subjects — glazes,  tinning  of  iron 
plates,  varnish,  plasters,  and  such  like.  He  re- 
corded in  his  Commonplace  Book  all  the  con- 
versations of  importance  he  had  with  distin- 
guished persons — legislators,  artists,  and  men 
of  science.  The  potters  of  Staffordshire  looked 
up  to  him  as  their  head.  They  appointed  him 


196 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


their  chairman,  to  watch  over  their  interests  in 
the  commercial  negotiation  with  foreign  coun- 
tries as  well  as  at  home. 

To  return  to  Wedgwood’s  driving  tour  into 
Cornwall  to  ascertain  the  places  where  the 
growan  stone  or  clay  was  to  be  met  with.  Xo 
more  agreeable  journey  could  have  been  made. 
Such  tours  are  out  of  date  noAV.  We  rush  rap- 
idly through  the  coiintiy.  The  railway  train 
passes  through  tunnels,  deep  cuttings,  and  the 
passenger  sees  little  of  the  adjoining  landscape. 
Wedgwood  and  his  party  left  London  on  the 
29th  May,  1175.  Their  journey  Avas  through  a 
beautiful  country,  and  they  made  their  observa- 
tions as  they  passed  along.  They  went  through 
Guildford  to  Farnham  ; then  into  a richly  cul- 
tivated countiy,  through  BlackAvater  village, 
over  heaths  and  through  woods,  Avith  charming 
residences  in  sight. 

“It  is  impossible,”  says  WedgAVOod  in  his 
notes,  “to  pass  through  those  finelj^  varied 
scenes  and  comfortable  haunts  of  men  Avithout 
wishing  to  spend  more  time  among  them  than 
these  hurrying  chaises  Avill  permit.  . . The 
fine  picture  is  like  a panorama  ; it  is  all  around 
us — woods  of  every  character,  laAvns,  chases, 
farms,  and  hop-gardens.”  The  tOAvns  and  vil- 
lages passed  through  Avere  Hartley  Bridge  and 
Hartley  Roav  (a  venerable-looking  village); 
Morrel  Green,  where  there  Avas  a good  inn,  and 
they  rested  ; XeAvnham,  where  a view  was 


WedgicoocVs  Journey  into  Cornwall  197 

taken  opposite  the  clmrcli  ; then  to  Basingstoke, 
celebrated  for  its  siege  during  the  civil  wars  ; 
the  Downs  then  opened  upon  the  travellers — 
‘‘a  noble  feast”;  they  passed  Stockbridge  and 
Old  Sarum,  and  slept  at  Salisbury. 

In  passing  through  Wiltshire  Wedgwood 
was  surprised  by  the  numerous  remains  of  the 
dwellings,  entrenchments,  tumuli,  and  graves 
of  the  ancient  British.  All  round  the  great 
plain  of  Salisbury  were  the  remains  of  these 
ancient  people  ; and  in  the  centre  of  the  plain 
was  Stonelienge,  their  great  sacrificial  temple. 
On  the  Downs  were  camps  and  entrenchments. 
At  Chatties  Doun,  near  Charborough,  there 
were  tumuli  to  the  right  and  left.  At  Whit- 
church an  old  camp  was  seen  on  the  side  of  a 
hill,  and  two  barrows  were  observed  close  to 
the  road.  There  were  short  barrows  and  long 
barrows, — the  former  being  the  more  ancient, — 
raised  over  the  dead,  long  before  the  invasion 
of  the  Romans. 

The  party  of  travellers  passed  on  to  Dor- 
chester— a station  of  the  Romans,  as  its  name 
indicates.  But  before  the  Roman  invasion  the 
place  seems  to  have  been  of  importance.  There 
is  a round  ampitheatre  near  the  town  capable 
of  containing  some  twelve  thousand  spectators. 
Some  think  it  to  be  Roman,  but  others  suppose 
it  to  be  ancient  Britisli,  as  it  closely  resembles 
the  British  rounds.”  But  the  most  re- 
markable monument  of  the  ancient  British 


198 


Josiah  Wedgivood 


is  Maiden  Castle,  a few  miles  southwest 
of  Dorchester,  one  of  the  finest  and  largest  old 
camps  in  England.  The  outworks  enclose  an 
area  of  forty-four  acres,  and  three  lofty  earthen 
ramparts  surround  it  on  the  south.  At  Brid- 
port,  on  the  west,  says  Wedgwood,  ‘‘every  hill 
seems  to  have  its  camp.”  The  barrows  were 
innumerable.  At  Slatt  “the  first  rock  stone 
was  seen.” 

The  travellers  passed  through  Stapleton, 
where  there  were  “plenty  of  orchards,”  Char- 
mouth,  Axminster,  Offwell,  and  Iloniton,  cele- 
brated for  its  lace.  No  carts  or  wagons  were 
to  be  seen  here  ; every  thing  was  carried  on 
horseback.  Then  Exeter  was  entered,  “ a 
lovely  neighborhood.”  Passing  on  through 
other  villages,  Wedgwood  went  to  see  a pot- 
work  at  Bovey  Tracey.  He  discusses  the 
difficulty  of  making  j^ottery  at  that  place, 
where  the  coal  was  bad  and  the  workmen  were 
clumsy.  He  describes  the  beauty  of  the  country 
at  Ivy  Bridge.  At  a place  called  Ridgeway 
Wedgwood  first  saw  the  petunse  or  growan 
stone. 

At  Plymouth  Wedgwood  visited  an  old 
friend,  Mr.  Tolcher,  who  had  sent  him  some 
specimens  of  cobalt.  The  party  visited  Mount 
Edgecumbe,  and  in  a letter  to  Bentley  (1st 
June,  1775)  Wedgwood  thus  describes  it : 
“We  were  upon  the  water  several  hours  yes- 
terday afternoon.  Have  you  ever  seen  Mount 


WedgicoocVs  Journey  mto  Cormodll  199 

Edgecurabe  ? If  you  have  not  seen  Mount 
Edgecumbe,  you  have  seen  nothing.  We  sailed 
twice  past  the  terrestrial  paradise,  and  such  a 
sun-setting  I have  never  beheld.” 

The  travelling  party  could  not  long  remain 
at  Plymouth,  and  on  the  2d  of  June  they  set 
out  in  search  of  the  growan.  They  went  by 
Burland  Downs  and  Rubarrow  Downs,  when 
growan  stone  was  again  seen.  They  crossed 
the  stream  of  water  brought  to  supply  Ph^- 
mouth  by  Sir  Francis  Drake.  As  they  pro- 
ceeded into  Cornwall  they  had  some  difficulty 
in  understanding  the  dialect  of  the  people.  At 
Kettington  they  found  the  farmers  ploughing 
with  oxen.  Barrows  were  still  plentiful.  At 
Liskeard  the  landscape  views  were  splendid. 
Then  they  entered  Boconnoc  Down,  near  Lost- 
withiel.  The  estate  of  Boconnoc  belonged  to 
Mr.  Pitt,  afterward  Lord  Camelford,  elder 
brother  of  the  Earl  of  Chatham,  who  was  born 
here.  Here  we  must  quote  from  the  notes  of 
Mr.  Wedgwood  : 

‘‘We  now  come  to  Mr.  Pitt’s  seat,  which  is 
extremely  rural  and  retired.  We  found  him  at 
home,  and  he  took  us  a walk  before  dinner, 
down  a sweet  valley,  with  hanging  woods  on 
either  side,  and  a clear  purling  stream  below. 
. . . When  we  came  to  a fine  old  beech-tree  in 
the  bottom,  by  the  side  of  the  brook,  the  roots 
of  which  were  visible  in  various  folds  above 
the  surface,  Mr.  Pitt  laid  himself  down  and 


200 


Josiali  Wedgwood 


repeated  those  fine  lines  from  Gray’s  ‘ Elegy 
Written  in  a Countiy  Cbnrchj^ard’  ; 


“ ‘ There  at  the  foot  of  yonder  nodding  beech, 

That  wreathes  its  old  fantastic  roots  so  high, 
His  listless  length  at  noontide  would  he  stretch. 
And  pore  upon  the  brook  that  babbles  by.’ 


‘‘  The  dinner-bell  awoke  iis  from  our  agree- 
able revery,  and  raised  in  us  sensations  of 
another  kind,  which  we  made  haste  to  satisfy. 
Aftei' being  entertained  at  Mr.  Pitt’s  hospitable 
mansion  for  a few  hours,  with  great  hilarity 
and  classic  elegance,  we  parted  in  high  good- 
humor  and  proceeded  on  our  journey.” 

Wedgwood  proceeds  to  describe  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Lostwithiel  as  “ a charming  coun- 
try, full  of  fine  hills  and  fruitful  valleys,  an 
arm  of  the  sea  running  up  between  a chain  of 
hills,  which  altogether  conspire  to  compose  one 
of  the  finest  scenes  a traveller  can  wish  to  pass 
through.”  They  were  now  in  the  midst  of  the 
growan  stone  district,  l^ear  St.  Austell  they 
found  large  quantities,  and  observed  the  white 
kaolin  obtained  by  washing  from  the  raw 
materials.  They  also  went  to  St.  Stephens, 
where  the  growan  stone  was  prepared  to 
supply  the  Bristol  porcelain  manufactory.  At 
St.  Coloumb  they  Avent  to  see  the  collection  of 
Mr.  Soper,  apothecary,  a very  intelligent  man, 
but  they  were  disappointed.  Earths,  stones, 


Wedgwood'^s  Journey  into  Cormoall  201 

and  clays  were  too  mean  to  find  a place  in  the 
museums  of  Cornish  collectors. 

At  Truro  the  travelling  party  witnessed  what 
they  considered  an  extraordinary  sight.  Wedg- 
wood thus  relates  it:  “In  one  of  our  walks 
through  the  town  we  met  a very  numerous  pro- 
cession of  females,  all  dressed  out  in  their  best 
garments.  We  were  much  struck  with  such  a 
troop  of  young  women  marching  in  regular 
order.  We  enquired  as  to  the  cause  of  the  pro- 
cession, and  were  told  that  it  was  the  annual 
meeting  of  two  female  clubs,  who  had  associated 
for  the  same  purpose  as  men  do  in  this  and 
other  parts  of  the  island — that  is,  to  lay  by  a 
little  money  while  they  are  in  health  and  can 
spare  it,  to  receive  it  again  in  time  of  sickness. 
I am  sorry  I cannot  say  much  in  favor  of  the 
beauty  of  the  fair  sex.  Indeed,  there  were 
scarcely  three  faces  in  the  two  clubs  that  were 
tolerable.” 

At  Redruth  Wedgwood  found  growan  clay 
in  great  abundance,  and  of  a very  white  color. 
He  obtained  some  specimens  for  experiment, 
believing  the  clay  to  be  of  the  right  sort. 
Being  so  near  the  Land’s  End,  he  and  his  com- 
panions determined  to  visit  it,  but  the  two 
chaises  containing  them  were  almost  swamped 
by  the  drenching  rain  before  they  reached  Pen- 
zance. On  the  6th  of  June  they  went  to  the 
Land’s  End,  about  thi’ee  miles  distant.  Growan 
clay  was  found  on  the  way.  A large  quantity 


202 


JosiaJi  Wedgicood 


liad  been  shipped  from  Penzance  for  Bristol 
and  South  Wales,  where  it  was  used  for  fur- 
naces. It  was  not  white  enough  to  be  used  for 
the  manufacture  of  porcelain. 

At  the  Land’s  End,”  says  Wedgwood,  “ we 
gazed  for  some  time  with  a kind  of  silent  awe, 
veneration,  and  astonishment  at  the  immense 
expanse  of  ocean  before  us.  It  was  indeed  sub- 
lime. The  weather  was  clear  enough  to  enable 
us  to  see  the  Scilly  Isles,  about  nine  leagues 
distant.  After  a long  and  exciting  view  Ave  left 
the  spot.  It  was  with  a transport  of  joy  that 
I now  set  my  face  liomeAvard  tOAvard  Etruria.” 

The  travelling  party,  hoAvever,  did  not  go 
directly  homcAvard.  WedgAVood  having  still 
to  make  enquiries  as  to  the  Avhite  clay  which  he 
had  heard  Avas  in  the  neighborhood,  they  started 
again  from  Penzance  and  journeyed  Avestward. 
They  saAv  Marazion  (or  Market  JeAv),  crossed 
the  sands,  and  climbed  up  to  St.  Michael’s 
Mount.  From  the  summit  of  the  castle  they 
had  a magnificent  vieAV  landAvard  and  seaAvard. 
They  descended  and  Avent  to  Ludgvan,  then 
higher  up  to  Treasso,  higher  still  to  Castle 
Andennis,  in  search  of  Avhite  clay,  Avhich  they 
eventually  found,  Avith  the  help  of  Mr.  EdAvards 
of  Treasso.  They  then  passed  Wheal  Prosper 
and  obtained  some  of  the  Avhite  clay  on  Lord 
Godolphin’s  property.  Samples  of  the  various 
clays  were  obtained  for  the  purpose  of  future 
experiments. 


Wedgwood'^s  Journey  into  Cornwall  203 

Being  near  the  Lizard,  they  made  a detour  to 
see  that  wonderful  geological  formation.  It 
is  unnecessary  to  detail  their  visit  to  Kynance 
Cove,  on  the  west  shore  of  the  bay,  and  Cadge- 
with,  on  the  east.  The  Lizard,”  observes 
Wedgwood,  was  an  extraordinary  sight.”  But 
he  was  here  on  business  as  well  as  pleasure. 
He  made  enquiries  as  to  the  soap  rock  on 
Lord  Falmouth’s  property,  which  at  that 
time  was  leased  to  the  Worcester  China  Com- 
pany. However,  several  other  landlords  had 
soap  rock  on  their  property,  and  Wedgwood 
took  some  specimens  away  in  a pocket-hand- 
kerchief.” 

From  the  Lizard  they  returned  by  Redruth 
and  Truro,  examining  for  soap  rock  all  the  way. 
On  the  10th  of  June  they  found  a farmer,  a Mr. 
Trethaway,  who  possessed  a little  estate  adjoin- 
ing Mr.  Pitt’s  manor,  and  Wedgwood  agreed 
with  him  for  a lease.  To  use  his  words  : The 
farmer  said  he  would  lease  us  the  stone  and  clay 
on  the  estate  for  so  many  years.  He  asked 
twenty  guineas  a year  rent.  I offered  ten.  He 
accepted  it,  and  we  had  articles  of  agreement 
drawn  up  accordingly  by  Mr.  Carthew,  an  at- 
torney in  St.  Austell.  This  gentleman,  wlien 
the  business  with  Trethaway  was  finished, 
offered  us  more  of  the  same  materials  on  tlie 
same  terms,  or  to  sell  us  twenty  or  thirty  acres 
of  land  with  them  in  on  our  own  terms.  We 
ordered  some  of  his  materials  to  be  sent  to  us. 


204 


Josiah  Wedgtoood 


and  when  we  liave  tried  tliem,  we  are  to  write 
him  on  the  subject. 

“Having  now  completed  our  business  in  Corn- 
wall by  having  got  a firm  and  secure  hold  of 
the  raw  materials  upon  reasonable  terms,  we 
left  Mr.  Griffiths,  our  agent,  to  conduct  the 
business.  We  left  St.  Austell  after  dinner  and 
slept  that  night  at  Liskeard,  and  the  next  day 
Ave  set  Mr.  Tolcher  down  at  his  own  house  at 
Plymouth.  The  old  gentleman  Avas  in  general 
cheerful  and  good  company,  but,  notwithstand- 
ing his  age  (he  Avas  in  his  eighty-seventh  year), 
he  had  a good  deal  of  the  spoiled  child  in  him, 
for  if  he  had  not  his  own  Avay  in  every  thing, 
there  Avas  no  peace  Avith  him,  either  in  the  chaise 
or  at  the  inns.  . . But  Avhen  Ave  came  to  Ply- 
mouth, he  talked  so  much  of  accompanying  us 
into  Staffordshire  that  I believe  a single  invita- 
tion would  have  brought  him  Avith  us. 

“ Mr.  Tolcher  enjoys  a remarkable  share  of 
health  and  spirits  for  a man  of  his  great  age, 
and  nothing  flatters  him  so  much  as  telling  him 
how  young  he  looks,  and  how  many  years  he 
may  yet  expect  to  live.  Indeed,  he  used  to  say 
that  he  had  no  notion  of  dying  ; he  did  not 
think  he  should  die,  for  he  had  never  felt  any 
thing  like  it  yet,  having  never  had  a day’s  sick- 
ness in  his  life;  but  he  added:  ‘ Neither  haA^e 
I ever  been  once  intoxicated  Avith  spirituous 
liquors.’  ” 

While  at  Plymouth  WedgAVOod  took  another 


Wedgioood’’ s Journey  into  Cormoall  205 

look  at  Mount  Edgecumbe,  which  he  so  much 
admired.  He  also  examined  the  Isle  of  St. 
Mcholas,  or  Drake’s  Island,  a strongly  fortified 
rock  at  the  entrance  of  the  River  Tamar  ; the 
harbor,  the  docks,  the  ships,  the  hospital,  and 
whatever  there  was  to  be  seen.  He  went  to  the 
Hoe  to  enjoy  the  unrivalled  view  from  that 
lofty  promenade.  But  time  pressed,  and  Wedg- 
wood must  hasten  back  to  Etruria.  Yet  he 
desired  to  see  so  much  that  was  novel  on  his 
way  homeward.  Instead  of  returning  to  Lon- 
don he  went  northward  through  Wellington, 
Taunton,  Bridgewater,  and  Glastonbury,  in 
Somerset.  Nothing  pleased  him  more  than  the 
cathedral  city  of  Wells,  the  fine  old  cathedral 
with  its  precincts  and  other  buildings  consti- 
tuting a perfectly  unique  English  city. 

Wedgwood  went  northward  through  Bath 
and  Gloucester,  calling  upon  his  friend  Boul- 
ton at  Birmingham  on  his  way  home,  and  thus 
finishing  a very  pleasant  and  profitable  journe}^ 
He  was,  of  course,  received  with  joy  and  wel- 
come by  his  loving  wife  and  family  at  Etruria. 
He  had  long  arrears  to  make  up  with  his  boys 
and  girls,  to  whom  he  was  deeply  attached. 
We  have  already  referred  to  his  affection  for 
his  devoted  wife,  who  not  only  cherislied  him 
during  his  illnesses,  but  conducted  his  corre- 
spondence while  he  was  unable  to  attend  to  his 
ordinary  business. 

We  may  refer  to  some  of  his  written  inter- 


20G 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


course  with  liis  children.  Wlien  in  London,  on 
one  occasion,  lie  wrote  a long  history  of  an  im- 
aginary journey  to  the  metropolis  to  his  “Dear 
Kitty.”  It  was  entitled  “A  Short  History  of  a 
Long  Journey  to  London,  from  a Papa  in  Town 
to  his  Good  Child  at  Home.”  The  history,  which 
is  written  in  the  style  of  a loving  father  to  his 
playful  child,  separated  from  her  by  several 
hundred  miles,  extends  to  six  chapters  in  length. 
Some  of  it  is  very  interesting.  Kot  less  inter- 
esting were  his  communications  with  his  boys, 
over  whose  education  he  watched,  encouraging 
them,  and  assisting  them  with  his  immense 
information.  We  may  quote  one  of  his  letters 
to  his  eldest  son  John,  or,  as  his  father  called 
him,  “Dear  Jackey.”  The  boy  was  at  school 
at  Bolton,  in  Lancashire,  in  1774,  and  his  father 
enclosed  with  the  following  letter  a long  and 
minute  account  of  “The  Natural  History  and 
Uses  of  Lead  ” in  its  various  forms  : 

“ My  Dear  Boa'  : Having  a parcel  to  send 
to  your  good  master,  I take  the  opportunity  of 
enclosing  a few  lines  to  you,  well  knowing  that 
you  will  be  glad  to  hear  that  jmur  mamma, 
your  brothers  and  sisters,  are  well,  and  continue 
their  good  will  and  affections  to  you.  Your 
brothers  often  talk  of  you,  and  seldom  omit 
drinking  your  health  at  dinner.  Joss  wants 
much  to  go  to  school  with  his  brother  Jackey, 
that  he  may  learn  to  read,  and  learn  so  many 


Wedgioood'‘s  Journey  into  Cornicall  207 

things  out  of  books  which  he  is  very  earnest  to 
know,  but  finds  there  is  no  other  way  of  gain- 
ing the  knowledge  he  wants  but  by  becoming  a 
scholar  and  reading  and  studying  for  himself  ; 
for,  if  he  prevails  upon  his  cousin  Jackey,  or 
any  body  else  who  is  at  leisure,  to  read  a little 
for  him,  they  are  no  sooner  got  into  the  midst 
of  an  entertaining  story,  or  something  he  wishes 
to  learn,  but  they  are  called  away  to  other  busi- 
ness, and  leave  him  unsatisfied  and  distressed: 
‘ Oh  ! I wish  I could  take  up  the  book  and  read 
the  story  out  myself,  papa  ! ’ But  finding  he 
is  not  able  to  do  this  at  present,  and  being  con- 
vinced that  a little  application  will  enable  him 
to  read  for  himself,  he  is  determined  to  be  more 
attentive  to  his  learning,  to  say  double  lessons, 
and,  if  it  were  possible,  to  overtake  even  his 
brother  Jackey  in  scholarship.  I do  not  know 
how  this  may  end,  but  am  persuaded  he  will 
find  it  no  easy  matter  to  overtake  one  who  is 
so  active  and  steady  at  learning  as  I am  told 
you  are. 

“ I suppose  you  have  received  two  samples  of 
red  ore,  with  some  flower-pots,  etc.  I sent  you 
the  ores,  and  now  send  you  some  account  of 
them,  because  I find  jmu  are  attentive  to  what 
I told  you  of  them,  and  of  some  other  natural 
bodies,  and  because  I wish  you  to  know  a great 
deal  of  some  things,  and  not  be  quite  ignorant 
of  any  thing  you  may  meet  with  in  your  jour- 
nej^  through  life.  You  must  therefore  begin  to 


208  Josiah  Wedgicood 

learn  early  ; but  more  of  this  in  some  future 
letter. 

“ Believe  me,  my  clear  boy, 

“Your  truly  affectionate  father, 

“Joss  AVedgwood.” 

We  may  mention  the  number  of  the  AYeclg- 
wood  family.  Susannah,  the  eldest,  was  born 
3d  January,  11Q5.  John,  28th  March,  1766. 
idichard,  11th  July,  1767,  but  died  in  June,  1768. 
Josiah,  3d  August,  1769.  Thomas,  14th  May, 
1771.  Catherine,  30th  November,  1774.  Sarali, 
25th  September,  1776.  Mary  Anne,  18th  Au- 
gust, 1778,  but  died  in  the  following  April. 

No  one  loved  children  more  than  AYedgwood. 
As  his  wife  was  a model  mother,  so  was  he  a 
model  father.  Though  often  engrossed  by 
business,  he  was  always  true  and  faithful  to  his 
cliildren,  who  were  all  alike  in  his  eyes  and 
heart  ; all  receiving  their  sliare  of  his  affec- 
tion. lie  was  firm,  yet  tender.  He  gave  them 
his  love,  and  they  repaid  him  with  their  obedi- 
ence. As  the  boys  grew  up  into  men  and 
the  girls  into  women  he  was  proud  of  their 
liandsome  presence  and  their  intellectual  attain- 
ments. 

AYedgwood  was  most  careful  as  to  their  train- 
ing and  education.  There  were  governesses  for 
the  daughters,  and  tutors  for  the  sons.  One  of 
the  tutors  who  resided  for  some  time  in  AYedg- 
wood’s  family  was  John  Leslie,  afterward 


W'edgv)ood\s  Journey  into  Cormucdl  209 


professor  of  natural  pliilosophy  in  the  Univer- 
sity of  Edinburgh,  one  of  the  most  distin- 
guished scientific  men  of  his  age.  Wedgwood, 
with  his  usual  liberality,  conferred  an  annuity 
of  £150  on  John  Leslie  for  the  careful  instruc- 
tion he  had  given  to  his  sons.  It  is  not  im- 
probable that  Leslie’s  investigations  into  light 
and  heat  liad  some  influence  in  determining' 
Thomas  Wedgwood’s  studies,  and  leading  him 
to  become  the  inventor  of  the  heliotype, — in 
other  words,  of  pliotographic  science, — before 
Daguerre  turned  his  attention  to  the  subject. 


CHAPTER  XVII 


WEDGWOOD  AND  FLAXMAN 

Wedgwood  vv^as  fortunate  as  well  as  wise  in 
associating  with  himself  in  the  production  of 
his  wares  perliaps  the  greatest  sculptor  whom 
England  has  as  yet  produced.  Born  on  the 
6th  July,  1755,  John  Flaxman  entered  life 
with  no  special  advantages.  His  father  sold 
plaster-of-Paris  casts  in  New  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  and  afterward  at  a little  shop  in  the 
Strand. 

The  boy  was  very  weakly,  and  slightly  de- 
formed from  his  birth.  As  he  grew  in  years  he 
used  to  sit  in  a little  stuifed  chair  behind  his 
father’s  counter,  over  which  he  could  just  see  ; 
and  there  he  read  and  made  drawings  in  black 
and  white  from  the  casts  before  him.  When 
customers  came,  he  got  down  from  his  seat,  and, 
with  the  help  of  crutches,  went  to  the  shelves, 
and  selected  the  required  articles. 

Flaxman’s  mother  died  when  he  was  seven 
years  old.  His  father  married  again,  but  his 
step-mother  was  very  kind  to  him — as  much  so, 
indeed,  as  his  own  mother  had  been.  The  cus- 
tomers who  came  to  the  shop  took  an  interest 
in  the  invalid  boy.  One  of  the  most  benevo- 


Wedgicood  and  Flaxman 


211 


lent  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Matthew,  a man  of  line 
taste,  who  took  an  interest  in  art  and  artists. 
‘‘  I went,”  said  Mr.  Matthew,  to  the  shop  of 
old  Flaxman  to  have  a figure  repaired,  and, 
while  I was  standing,  I heard  a child  cough 
behind  the  counter.  I looked  over,  and  there  I 
saw  a little  boy  seated  on  a small  chair,  with  a 
larger  chair  before  him,  on  Avhich  lay  a book  he 
was  reading.  His  pure  eyes  and  beautiful  fore- 
head interested  me,  and  I said  : ‘ What  book 
is  that?’  He  raised  liimself  on  his  crutches, 
bowed,  and  said  : ‘ Sir,  it  is  a Latin  book,  and 
I am  trying  to  read  it.’  ‘ Ay,  indeed  ? ’ I an- 
swered. ‘You  are  a fine  boy,  but  this  is  not 
the  proper  book  ; I will  bring  you  a right  one 
to-morrow,’  I did  as  I promised,  and  the 
acquaintance  thus  casually  begun  ripened  into 
one  of  the  best  friendships  of  my  life.” 

The  book  the  boy  had  before  him  was  a Cor- 
nelius Repos  which  his  father  bad  picked  up 
for  a few  pence  at  a bookstall.  Rext  day  Mr. 
Matthew  called  with  translations  of  Homer  and 
“Don  Quixote,”  which  the  boy  proceeded  to  read 
with  avidity.  He  even  went  about  Hyde  Park, 
with  the  help  of  his  crutches,  trying  to  find 
some  distressed  damsel  whom  he  might  pro- 
ceed to  deliver  from  bondage  by  the  lielp  of 
his  little  French  sword  which  he  had  girded 
about  liim  ; but  in  vain.  There  was  no  JDul- 
cinea  del  Tohoso^  or  forlorn  damsel,  to  be  found 
even  in  Hyde  Park  or  Kensington  Gardens. 


212 


Josiah  ^Vedg^cood 


He  was  more  fortunate  witli  Homer.  His 
miiul  became  tilled  with  the  heroism  which 
breathed  through  its  pages,  and  the  ambition 
took  possession  of  him  that  he,  too,  would  de- 
sign and  embody  in  poetic  foians  the  majestic 
Ajaxes  and  Achillcses.  He  began  to  draw  and 
model  ill  plaster  of  Paris,  wax,  and  cla3\  Of 
course  his  first  designs  were  very  crude,  though 
some  of  them  are  still  preserved.  After  he  had 
become  famous  a friend  asked  him  how  he  had 
accomplished  these  early  works.  “Sir,”  said 
he,  “we  are  never  too  young  to  learn  what  is 
useful,  or  too  old  to  grow  wise  and  good.” 

When  he  arrived  at  his  tenth  year,  his  health 
improved.  His  limbs  gained  strength,  he  began 
to  move  about  more  freely  and  was  able  to 
throw  away  his  crutches.  'He  continued  to 
model  figures  as  before,  and  ra})idly  improved. 
i\[r.  Matthew  not  only  patronized  him  and  gave 
him  commissions,  but  also  invited  him  to  his 
house,  where  he  made  the  acquaintance  of  some 
artists,  among  others  of  Komne}^  Stothard, 
and  Blake,  the  poet  painter.  Mrs.  Matthew 
and  Mrs.  Barbauld  were  among  his  advisers 
and  counsellors.  They  encouraged  him  to 
read  Greek  and  foreign  languages.  He  re- 
paired to  Mrs.  Matthew’s  house  in  the  evenings 
to  hear  her  read  Homer  and  Virgil,  and  dis- 
course upon  Latin  verse  and  sculpture.  Wliile 
she  read  Homer,  Flaxman  by  her  side  endeav- 
ored to  embody  in  drawings  such  passages  as 


Wedgioood  and  Flaxman 


213 


cauglit  his  fancy.  Tliis  was,  as  he  afterward 
said,  one  of  the  happiest  periods  of  his  life. 

He  obtained  from  Mr.  Crutchely  what  was 
to  him  an  important  commission  for  a set  of 
drawings  illustrative  of  Homer.  These  were 
executed  to  Crutchely’s  satisfaction,  and  Flax- 
man’s  commissions  soon  increased.  Friends 
now  foretold  his  future  eminence  as  a designer 
and  sculptor.  At  eleven  years  old,  and  again 
at  thirteen,  he  won  prizes  from  the  Society  of 
Arts  for  his  models  of  figures  in  clay.  At  fif- 
teen he  exhibited  models  at  the  Royal  Acad- 
emy, then  in  the  second  year  of  its  existence. 
In  the  same  year,  1770,  he  entered  as  an  Acad- 
emy student  and  won  the  silver  medal.  Next 
year  he  tried  for  the  gold  one,  the  reward  of 
the  highest  merit. 

All  his  fellow-students  made  sure  that  the 
assiduous  and  enthusiastic  Flaxman  would  win 
the  prize.  Perhaps  he  himself  was  too  cock- 
sure of  the  result.  But  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds, 
the  president,  adjudged  the  gold  medal  to 
another  student,  called  Engleheart,  who  was 
never  afterward  heard  of.  Flaxman,  however, 
was  not  discouraged  : he  knew  he  deserved  the 
prize,  and  the  defeat,  such  as  it  was,  merely 
roused  his  courage.  “Give  me  time,”  he  said 
to  liis  father,  “ and  I will  yet  produce  works 
which  the  Academy  will  be  proud  to  acknowl- 
edge.” 

Flaxman  thouglit  his  defeat  was  due  to  the 


214 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


slight  of  Sir  Joshua.  But  perhaps  lie  was  too 
vain  of  his  powers.  This  Avouhl  appear  from 
a letter  of  Wedgwood’s  to  Bentley  (14th  Jan- 
uary, 17 75)  : ‘‘lam  glad  you  have  met  Avith 
a modeller,  and  that  Flaxman  is  so  valuable  an 
artist.  It  is  but  a few  years  since  he  Avas  a 
most  supreme  coxcomb,  but  a little  more  expe- 
rience may  have  cured  him  of  this  foible.” 
This  allusion  to  Flaxman  no  doubt  refers  to  his 
defeat  by  Engleheart  at  the  Academy.  Al- 
though Wedgwood  thus  referred  to  the  sculp- 
tor, he  very  soon  became  one  of  his  most  at- 
tached and  generous  patrons.  Bentley  Avas 
the  first  who  discovered  Flaxman,  most  prob- 
ably through  the  introduction  of  the  latter  to 
him  by  Mrs.  MattheAV  and  Mrs.  Barbauld,  as 
they  all  belonged  to  the  same  religious  com- 
munity. 

WedgAvood  proceeded  to  order  some  Avorks 
from  Flaxman.  The  first  AA^as  a model  for  a 
chimney-piece,  tAvo  models  for  vases,  four  bas- 
reliefs  of  the  Seasons,  and  several  models  of 
the  ancient  gods  and  goddesses — Jupiter,  Juno, 
Minerva,  Apollo,  and  others.  His  charges 
Avere  not  great  : £3  3s.  for  the  pair  of  vases, 
one  Avith  a satyr  and  the  other  Avith  a triton 
handle  ; £2  2s.  for  the  four  bas-reliefs  of  the 
Seasons  ; £1  15s.  for  an  antique  vase  sculptured 
Avith  figures  ; and  10s.  for  each  of  the  ancient 
gods  and  goddesses  ; £2  2s.  was  paid  for  tAVO 
statues,  and  8s.  6d.  for  tAvo  cups  and  saucers. 


Wedgwood  and  Flaxman 


215 


These  works  were  done  in  March  and  April, 
1115,  and  the  whole  were  paid  for, — amounting 
to  £12  18s., — in  January,  1'776. 

Some  may  think  it  a descent  for  a draughts- 
man and  sculptor  like  Flaxman  to  have  designed 
for  Wedgwood  such  common  things  as  cups 
and  saucers.  But  it  was  not  really  so.  An 
artist  may  be  a true  educator  in  taste  while  de- 
signing a common  teapot  or  water-jug.  Arti- 
cles in  daily  use  among  the  people,  which  are 
before  their  eyes  at  every  meal,  may  become 
the  vehicles  of  art  education  to  all,  and  minis- 
ter to  their  highest  culture.  Before  Wedg- 
wood’s time  the  designs  which  figured  upon 
our  stoneware  and  china  were  often  hideous. 
He  determined  to  improve  both  designs  and 
ornamentation  ; and  Flaxman  willingly  and 
cheerfully  endeavored  to  carry  the  manufact- 
urer’s views  into  effect.  The  subjects  of  his 
art  were  principally  small  groups  in  low  relief 
from  ancient  verse  and  histoiy.  Some  of  them 
were  equal  in  beauty  and  simplicity  to  his  fin- 
ished designs  for  marble. 

Young  Flaxman  confined  to  ply  his  art  dili- 
gently, both  as  a draughtsman  from  his  father’s 
stock-in-trade,  as  a student  in  the  schools,  and 
as  an  exhibitor  at  theHoyal  Academj^  One  of 
the  friends  of  the  Matthew  family, — a Mr. 
Knight  of  Portland  Place, — gave  him  a com- 
mission to  make  a statue  of  Alexander  the 
Great  in  marble.  Flaxman  designed  the  figure 


216 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


in  clay,  and  Smith  executed  the  work  in  marble. 
The  statue  was  exhibited,  and  met  with  consid- 
erable praise. 

But  Flaxman  could  not  make  a regulaiTiveli- 
hood  by  accepting  such  commissions.  He  had 
to  rely  principally  upon  the  income  which  he 
derived  from  Wedgwood.  For  many  years  we 
find  him  , modelling  classic  friezes,  plaques, 
vases,  ornamental  vessels,  and  medallion  por- 
traits of  distinguished  men  in  various  combi- 
nations of  jasper  and  basalt.  In  July,  17 Vo, 
we  find  Wedgwood  requesting  Flaxman  to 
model  the  portraits  of  Sir  Joseph  Banks  and 
Dr.  Solander.  Hoskins,  Grant,  Hackwood,  and 
Mrs.  Landre  Avere  modelling  at  the  same  time. 
Though  Hackwood’s  portraits  Avere  excellent, 
Flaxman’s  Avere  considered  superior,  because  of 
their  artistic  value.  This  Avas  especiallj^  the 
case  in  the  Greek  heads  and  the  classical  de- 
signs after  the  antique.  Some  of  these  Avere 
so  exquisite  that  Wedgwood  had  a great  diffi- 
culty in  parting  Avith  them. 

Some  Anthonies  and  Cleopatras  are  very 
fine,”  he  Avrote  to  Bentley  (5th  November, 
1775),  “and  a feAV  bas-reliefs,  all  of  which  I 
Avish  you  to  look  at  before  they  go  into  the 
rooms  [for  sale].  The  blue  grounds  are  out  of 
the  last  kiln,  and  the  Cleopatras,  both  of  Avhich 
are  the  finest  things  imaginable.  It  really 
hurts  me  to  think  of  parting  Avith  these  gems, 
the  fruit  of  twenty  years’  toil,  for  the  trifle  Ave 


Wedgwood  and  F laxman  217 

shall  receive,  to  make  the  business  worthy  of 
our  notice.” 

The  new  body  called  jasper^  because  of  its 
likeness  to  the  stone  of  that  name,  was  first 
used  in  November,  1775.  It  was  composed  of 
a mixture  of  flint,  potters’  clay,  carbonate  of 
barytes,  zaffre,  sulphate  of  barytes,  and  Terra 
ponder osa.  Wedgwood  kept  this  combination 
very  secret.  To  Bentley  he  wrote:  “I  have 
tried  my  new  mixing  of  jasper,  and  And  it  very 
good.  Indeed,  I have  not  much  fear  of  it ; 
but  it  is  a satisfaction  to  be  certain,  and  I am 
now  absolute  in  this  precious  article,  and  can 
make  it  with  as  much  facility  and  certainty  as 
black  ware.  Sell  what  quantity  you  please.  I 
would  as  readily  engage  to  furnish  you  with 
this  as  any  pottery  I make.  We  have  only  now 
to  push  it  forward  with  the  world  and  keep  our 
secret.”  Of  his  large  and  very  fine  Medusa  he 
wrote  to  Bentley:  “It  is  too  fine  to  sell.”  He 
had  always  the  greatest  difficulty  in  parting 
with  his  beautiful  bas-reliefs. 

In  this  jasper-ware  Flaxman  executed  some 
of  his  finest  and  most  classical  works,  and 
helped  forward  the  enterprise  of  his  munificent 
patron.  Flaxman  continued  to  exhibit  at  the 
Royal  Academy, — several  models  in  clay  from 
the  ancient  Greeks  and  Romans,  some  portraits 
in  wax,  and  a sketch  for  a monument  to  Chat- 
terton, — and  to  make  drawings  and  designs 
from  the  poets,  from  the  Bible,  and  from  the 
10 


218 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


“ Pilgrim’s  Progress.”  lie  led  a quiet,  simple 
life,  though  he  was  always  full  of  pleasant 
occupation. 

Flaxman,  feeling  himself  sufficiently  en- 
riched by  the  remuneration  he  received  from 
Wedgwood,  removed  from  his  paternal  roof 
toward  the  end  of  1781,  leaving  there  his 
father,  the  seller  of  plaster-of-Paris  casts,  and 
his  brother  William,  a frame-maker  and  Avood- 
carver. 

Flaxman  hired  a small  house  and  studio  at  27 
Wardour  Street,  and  there  he  brought  home 
his  young  Avife,  Ann  Denham  by  name,  AAdiom 
he  had  long  loved.  He  Avas  then  tAventy-hve 
years  of  age.  Some  thought  it  foolish  of  him 
to  marry  Avithout  any  secured  means,  but  it 
proved  to  be  the  greatest  joy  and  blessing  of 
his  life.  Ann  Denham  Avorshipped  her  young, 
cheerful,  and  accomplished  husband.  This  Avas 
a good  beginning.  She  had  a taste  for  art  and 
literature,  understood  French  and  Italian,  and 
had  acquired  some  knoAvledge  of  Greek.  She 
Avas,  nevertheless,  a good  domestic  manager. 
She  arranged  her  husband’s  drawings,  and  en- 
couraged and  cheered  him  in  his  occasional 
moments  of  despondency. 

Some  time  after  their  marriage  Sir  Joshua 
Reynolds  happened  to  meet  Flaxman  in  the 
street.  “ Ha  ! ” said  the  president,  “ I have 
heard  you  have  married.”  ‘‘It  is  true,”  replied 
Flaxman.  “Then,”  said  Sir  Joshua,  “I  tell 


Wedgwood  and  Flaxman  219 

3^ou  you  are  ruined  for  an  artist.  You  cannot 
now  go  to  Rome  and  study  the  works  of  the 
great  sculptors  of  antiquity.”  “ I am  sorry  for 
that,”  said  Flaxman,  who  returned  home  some- 
what dispirited.  He  sat  down  beside  his  wife, 
took  her  hand,  and  said,  with  a smile:  ‘‘Ann, 
you  have  ruined  me  for  an  artist.”  “ How  is 
that  ? ” she  asked.  “ It  happened,”  replied  Flax- 
man,  “in  the  church,  and  Ann  Denham  has  done  it. 
I met  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds  just  now,  and  he  said 
my  marriage  had  ruined  me  in  my  profession.” 

It  is  possible  that  Sir  Joshua  bore  a grudge 
against  Flaxman,  for  what  reason  is  not  known. 
He  had  adjudged  the  gold  medal  for  sculpture 
to  Engleheart,  when  every  other  artist  thought 
that  it  should  have  been  awarded  to  Flaxman. 
Sir  Joshua  was  the  first  portrait-painter  of  his 
day,  but  he  knew  comparatively  little  about 
sculpture.  Hence  his  spiteful  remark  to  Flax- 
man that  he  had  ruined  himself  as  an  artist  by 
marrying  Ann  Denham.  His  wife,  as  usual, 
consoled  him.  “ You  will  e’en  go  to  Rome,” 
she  said,  “ and  I will  accompany  you.”  “But 
how  ?”  asked  Flaxman.  “We  must  work  and 
economize,”  was  her  answer. 

Flaxman  accordingly  set  to  work  with  in- 
creased vigor.  He  was  willing  to  do  any  thing, 
so  as  to  earn  the  necessary  money  for  the  pur- 
pose of  enabling  him  to  make  the  journey  to 
Rome.  He  even  undertook  to  collect  the  watch 
rate  for  the  parish  of  St.  Anne,  and  was  occa- 


220 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


sioiially  seen  going  about  with  an  ink-bottle  in 
his  button-hole  collecting  the  rates.  He  worked 
harder  than  ever  for  Wedgwood.  Cameos,  in- 
taglios, busts,  portraits,  plaques  of  all  kinds, 
2)roceeded  from  his  fertile  brain  and  hand. 
Among  the  other  works  he  produced  were  the 
Apotheosis  of  Homer,  the  Muses  with  Apollo, 
the  Dancing  Hours,  Priam  begging  the  body 
of  Hector  from  Achilles,  Julius  Csesar,  fawns, 
baccliantes,  the  Nine  Muses,  and  other  works. 
AYedgwood  was  as  proud  of  the  Muses  as  Flax- 
man  himself.  He  styled  Flaxman  “the  Genius 
of  Sculpture.”  Several  beautiful  tablets  for 
chimney-pieces  were  also  produced  by  him.  In 
fact,  never  did  Flaxman  work  harder  than  at 
this  period  of  his  life. 

He  worked  for  others  besides  AYedgwood. 
He  began  to  make  monuments  to  the  departed. 
His  first  was  in  memory  of  a man  of  genius 
similar  to  his  own — that  of  Collins,  the  poet, 
for  Chichester  Cathedral.  Another,  of  a still 
higher  order,  was  that  of  Mrs.  Morley  for 
Gloucester  Cathedral.  The  lad}^  perished  with 
her  child  at  sea,  and  she  is  represented  called 
up  by  angels,  with  her  babe,  from  the  waves, 
and  ascending  into  heaven.  “The  effect,” 
says  Allan  Cunningham,  “is  inexpressibly 
touching  ; it  elevates  the  mind,  and  not  with- 
out tears.”  Another  of  his  monuments  was  in 
memory  of  Miss  Cromwell,  in  illustration  of 
the  passage  “Come,  ye  blessed.” 


Wedgwood  and-  Flaxman 


221 


Of  a very  different  character  was  the  group 
of  Venus  and  Cupid,  which  he  executed  for  his 
early  patron,  Mr.  Knight  of  Portland  Place. 
Flaxman  preferred  it  to  his  monumental  fig- 
ures. Besides  these  works  of  sculpture  were 
his  numerous  drawings,  mostly  after  the  an- 
tique, a large  collection  of  which  is  still  care- 
fully preserved  at  the  University  College, 
Gower  Street. 

It  is  believed  that  Flaxman,  before  his  mar- 
riage, visited  Wedgwood  at  Etruria.  The 
room  is  still  shown  in  which  he  did  his  work. 
In  one  of  Wedgwood’s  letters  to  Bentley,  dated 
from  Etruria  (1st  July,  1778),  Wedgwood  says: 
“ Mr.  Flaxman  called  to  tell  me  that  he  was 
modelling  a bas-relief  of  Lord  Chatham  in 
order  to  sell  copies  in  wax.  I told  him  that  we 
should  be  glad  of  a cast,  and  he  knew  what  we 
should  make  of  it.  I do  not  know  what  he 
means  to  charge  other  people,  but  you  know 
we  are  to  pay  a price  below  casts  and  models.” 

During  the  year  1779,  on  Flaxman’s  return 
to  London,  he  was  engaged  upon  some  of  his 
most  beautiful  models,  such  as  his  Boys  and 
Goat,  his  Triumph  of  Ariadne,  his  Homer  and 
Hesiod,  his  Offering  to  Flora,  and  his  Bacchana- 
lian Sacrifices  for  a cliimney-piecc  tablet.  He 
also  modelled  his  own  likeness  in  wax,  and 
a copy  was  sent  down  to  Etruria  for  the  pur- 
pose of  being  transferred  into  the  jasper  body. 
Flaxman  took  the  greatest  pains  in  beautifying 


222 


JosiaJi  Wedgivood 


tlie  commonest  objects  of  utility.  His  ink- 
stands,  chimney-pieces,  candlesticks,  seals, 
tureens,  vases,  lamps,  cups,  and  teapots  were 
most  artistic. 

It  is  not  improbable  that  Flaxman  was  con- 
sulted by  Wedgwood  during  his  temporary 
stay  at  Etruria  about  the  decoration  of  his 
house.  On  his  return  to  London  he  wrote  the 
following  letter  to  Wedgwood  : 

“No.  27  Wakdour  Street, 

“ 12th  November,  1781. 

“ Sir  : As  soon  as  Mr.  Byerley  [Wedgwood’s 
agent  in  London]  communicated  to  me  your 
workmen’s  want  of  the  drawings  at  large  for 
the  cornices,  etc.,  in  the  saloon  and  vestibule 
I began  them  immediately  to  prevent  delay  ; 
but  as  some  of  the  mouldings  will  be  enriched 
in  a manner  not  very  likely  to  be  well  executed 
by  a country  plasterer  from  a drawing  only, 
I will,  if  you  please,  send  two  or  three  patterns 
cut  in  plaster  for  ostrich  eggs  and  dock-w^ater 
leaf,  etc.* 

“ You  will  probably  have  an  ornamental 
frieze  for  the  saloon.  If  that  is  not  already 

* The  hall  at  Etruria  has  been  converted  into  the 
offices  of  the  Shelton  Bar  Iron  Works,  Besides  the 
cornices  designed  by  Flaxman,  the  ceilings  were  orna- 
mented by  drawings  in  oil  by  Angelica  Kanffmann. 
These  were  removed  by  the  agents  of  the  Duchy  of 
Lancaster,  to  whom  the  place  belongs,  to  one  of  their 
offices  in  the  north,  probably  in  Yorkshire. 


Wedgioood  and  Flaxman  223 

determined  on,  I would  recommend  the  lions 
and  foliage  you  admired  so  much  in  the 
chimney-piece  I am  carving  for  Mr.  Knight, 
and  particularly  because  you  will  have  a new 
production  without  the  expense  of  a new 
model.  In  the  meantime  I shall  proceed  dili- 
gently with  your  drawings  until  I have  further 
instructions,  the  expedition  of  which  will  add 
to  the  favors  conferred  on, 

‘‘  Sir,  with  great  respect  and  gratitude, 

“ Your  much  obliged  servant, 

“ Flaxman,  Je. 

My  wife  joins  with  me  in  hopes  for  the 
health  and  happiness  of  Mrs.  Wedgwood  and 
your  family.” 

Wedgwood  hacl  been  so  much  indebted  to 
Sir  William  Hamilton,  ambassador  to  the 
court  of  Naples,  for  his  casts  from  the  antique, 
discovered  during  his  researches  at  Hercula- 
neum, and  for  his  fine  collection  of  Etruscan 
vases,  that,  when  Flaxman  had  finished  his 
Apotheosis  of  Homer,  he  offered  to  send  Sir 
William  one  of  the  finest  copies  of  the  tablet. 
On  receiving  it  he  replied  as  follows  (Naples, 
22d  June,  1779)  : “I  have  had  the  pleasure  of 
receiving  safe  your  delightful  bas-relief  of  the 
Apotheosis  of  Homer,  or  some  other  poet. 
Indeed,  it  is  far  superior  to  my  most  sanguine 
expectation.  I was  sure  that  your  industry 
would  produce  in  time  something  excellent  in 


224 


Josicih  Wedgioood 


tlie  way  of  bas-reliefs  from  the  specimens  I 
saw  before  I left  England,  but  I really  am  sur- 
prised and  delighted  in  the  highest  degree  with 
this  proof  of  the  hasty  strides  you  have  made 
toward  perfection  in  your  art.  I only  wish 
you  may  continue  to  meet  the  encouragement 
which  you  so  richly  deserve.  . . Your  bas- 
relief  astonishes  all  the  artists  here.  It  is  more 
pure,  and  in  a truer  antique  taste,  than  any  of 
their  performances,  though  they  have  so  many 
fine  models  before  them.” 

For  twelve  years  of  his  life,  from  his 
twentieth  to  his  thirty-second  year  (IVYS- 
87),  Flaxman  principally  subsisted  through 
his  employment  for  the  firm  of  Wedgwood  & 
Company.  He  did  some  of  their  most  exquisite 
works,  for  which  they  paid  him  liberall}^  His 
portraits  included  those  of  Benjamin  Franklin 
and  Dr.  Johnson.  The  latter  is  said  to  be  one 
of  the  finest  ever  perfected  by  Wedgwood.  In 
1781  he  finished  two  busts  of  Rousseau  and 
Sterne,  and  modelled  a bust  of  Dr.  Fothergill. 
In  the  following  3mar  (1782)  he  modelled  a 
very  fine  bust  of  Mrs.  Siddons,  and  finished  the 
cast  of  a fragment  of  Phidias.  In  that  year 
he  had  the  two  sons  of  Wedgwood  as  pupils  ; 
but  Flaxman,  because  of  the  munificence  of 
Wedgwood,  did  not  desire  to  receive  an}’-  re- 
muneration for  the  lessons  he  gave  them.  A 
correspondence  took  place  on  the  subject. 
Flaxman’s  first  letter  was  as  follows  : 


Wedgwood  and  Flaxman  225 

27  Wardour  Street,  8tli  July,  1782. 

Sir  : As  you  desire  a list  of  the  orders  you 
have  given  me,  which  are  not  yet  completed, 
I have  taken  the  liberty  to  trouble  you,  as  I 
should  be  deficient  in  gratitude  to  your  liberal- 
ity and  friendship)  if  I permitted  you  to  receive 
them  by  any  other  means,  especially  as  my 
absence  while  you  were  in  London  requires  an 
aj)ology.  This  I could  not  avoid,  because  the 
time  was  appointed  that  I should  settle  some 
particular  chimney-pieces  for  a friend  who  is 
going  to  rebuild  his  seat  in  Berkshire,  and 
I thought  to  return  before  your  departure. 
Mr.  Byerley  required  me  to  set  a value  on 
my  instructions  to  the  young  gentlemen,  wliicli 
I cannot  comply  with,  because  I fear  in  so 
short  a time  they  could  not  j)rofit  much,  and 
because  I shall  be  well  satisfied  with  whatever 
you  think  sufficient  for  those  lessons,  which 
were  thirty-three  in  number.  Mr.  Byerley  also 
observed  that  it  would  be  agreeable  to  you  for 
me  to  emp)loy  my  leisure  on  your  work.  This 
he  need  not  have  mentioned,  for  I surely  cannot 
do  better  than  employ  my  small  abilities  in  the 
service  of  so  worthy  a friend. 

“I  would  have  sent  the  drawing  for  the 
frieze  of  your  saloon,  but  I do  not  remember 
that  you  determined  on  any  design  ; so  that, 
Avhen  I have  received  your  instructions,  I will 
either  send  sketches  for  your  apj)robation  or  a 
drawing  from  any  idea  you  may  communicate. 


22G 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


‘‘  With  this  letter  I have  sent  tlie  size  of  Sir 
J.  Banks’s  tablet.  Before  I conclude  I must 
beg,  as  soon  as  you  have  set  a price  on  the  os- 
trich’s-egg  teapot  in  the  fine  white  bisque,  that 
you  will  let  me  have  one,  which  my  wife  intends 
presenting  to  a lady  at  Cambridge.  Mrs.  Flax- 
man  desires  your  acceptance  of  her  best  wishes, 
and  with  mine,  for  the  happiness  of  yourself,  Mrs. 
Wedgwood,  and  the  young  lady  and  gentleman, 

“I  remain  your  much  obliged  servant, 

“John  Flaxman,  Jr. 

“ P.  S. — The  orders  are  : Six  Avax  medals  of 
eminent  Hollanders,  which  I am  noAV  Avorking 
on,  and  intend  soon  to  finish.  Psyche  on  a 
Flower-Pot — a companion  to  Venus  Adolescens. 
Several  bas-reliefs  of  boys  for  teapot  sides,  and 
the  Avax  profiles  of  several  distinguished  persons 
— these  last  to  be  done  as  opportunity  shall 
permit.” 

It  is  not  knoAvn  Avhat  remuneration  Wedg- 
Avood  sent  to  Flaxman,  but  the  latter  seems  to 
have  been  greatly  pleased  Avith  it  in  his  letter 
of  the  22d  August,  1782.  This  letter  is  very 
valuable  as  authenticating  as  Flaxman’s  Avo'rk 
the  magnificent  bust  of  Mercury,  afterward 
produced  by  Wedgwood  ; 

“27  Waedour  Street. 

“ Sir  : I Avould  have  thanked  you  for  the 
princely  present  you  gave  me  for  the  few  in- 


Wedgwood  and  Flaxman  227 

structions  your  sons  had  from  me  before  now  if 
thanks  had  been  adequate  to  sucli  generosity, 
but  their  only  rewards  are  the  elevated  reflec- 
tions arising  from  such  actions  themselves.  I 
did  not,  therefore,  write  until  I had  prepared  a 
small  token  of  gratitude — two  small  reliefs  of 
Jupiter  and  Mercury,  which  you  may  copy  in 
5''our  excellent  bisque  for  your  manufactory  if 
you  think  them  worthy.  You  did  me  the  honor 
to  praise  my  bust  of  Mercury,  the  cast  of  which 
you  will  favor  with  a place  in  your  study  as 
one  of  the  highest  gratifications  you  can  bestow 
on  its  sculptor. 

“ As  I know  your  kindness  interests  itself  in 
my  welfare,  I have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you 
that  I am  nobly  employed  in  modelling  four 
Cristos,  large  as  life,  and  a group  of  four  figures 
from  this  passage  in  the  prologue  to  ‘Henry 
the  Fifth’:  ‘Then  should  the  warlike  Harry, 
like  himself,  assume  the  port  of  Mars,  whilst 
Famine,  Sword,  and  Fire,  leashed  in  like 
hounds,  crouch  for  employment  at  his  heels.’ 

“ My  wife  and  self  desire  our  best  compli- 
ments to  Mrs.  Wedgwood,  Miss,  and  the  young 
gentlemen,  and  I have  the  honor  to  remain, 

“ Sir,  3^our  most  obliged  and  humble  servant, 

“ J.  Flaxman'. 

“ P.  S. — I am  much  obliged  to  you  for  the 
order  given  that  the  egg  teapot  should  be  de- 
livered to  me,  but  the  gentleman  who  officiates 
for  Mr.  Byerley  says  it  will  not  hold  water  ; 


228 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


so  that  I sliall  be  glad  if  yon  will  let  me  have 
one  as  soon  as  more  are  made,  as  Mrs.  Flaxman 
has  deferred  writing  to  her  friend  for  some 
months  with  intention  to  send  a teapot  at  the 
same  time.” 

Flaxman  was  perhaps  happiest  in  his  beauti- 
ful designs  of  children — romping,  skipping, 
playing  blind-man’s-buff,  and  other  groups  of 
them.  Flaxman,  addressing  Wedgwood  from 
AVardour  Street,  October  28,  1782,  writes  : 

“ According  to  the  desire  you  expressed  in 
the  last  letter  you  favored  me  with,  I have  de- 
signed some  groups  of  children  proper  for  bas- 
reliefs  to  decorate  the  sides  of  teapots.  Nos.  1 
and  2 are  intended  to  go  entirely  round  a tea- 
pot of  a flat  shape,  except  where  the  handle  and 
spout  interrupt  theni.  I have,  therefore,  made 
separate  stories  for  each  side.  The  first  is 
Blind-Man’s-Buff ; the  second  is  the  Game  of 
Marbles.  Nos.  3 and  4 are  the  Triumph  of 
Cupid,  to  be  disposed  in  a similar  manner  on 
the  sides  of  round  and  upright  teapots.  AVhen 
you  return  the  sketches  to  be  modelled  from,  be 
pleased  to  give  instructions  concerning  the  size 
and  other  necessary  particulars.  Mrs.  Flaxman 
presents  her  respects  to  Mrs.  and  Miss  AVedg- 
wood  and  yourself,  and  I have  the  honor  to 
remain,  “ Sir,  your  obliged  servant, 

“John  Flaxman.” 


WedgiDood  and  Flaxman 


229 


In  1783-84  Flaxman  was  engaged  in  various 
works  for  Wedgwood,  principally  in  chimney- 
pieces  and  portraits.  The  marble  chimney- 
pieces  were  charged  from  £8  11s.  6d.  to  £11  4s.; 
but  the  masonry,  polishing,  and  carving  were 
charged  nearly  double.  Among  the  portraits 
were  those  of  Herschel,  Dr.  Buchan,  Captain 
Cook,  and  C.  Jenkinson.  In  1784  he  modelled 
a bas-relief  of  boys  in  wax,  for  which  he  charged 
£11  Os.  6d.  Flaxman  was  also  busy  with  the 
models  of  the  celebrated  chessmen.  The  fol- 
lowing letter  relates  to  the  decoration  of  Wedg- 
wood’s drawing-room  at  Etruria  : 

Waedour  Street,  5th  February,  1784. 

“ Sir  : I was  last  night  honored  by  Mr.  Byer- 
ley  with  your  enquiry  concerning  the  pictures 
you  employed  me  to  paint  for  the  drawing-room 
ceiling.*  The  four  divinities’  heads  for  the 
corners  have  been  nearly  finished,  and  the  alle- 
gory for  the  centre  has  had  the  effect  roughly 
laid  in  some  months  since,  and  Avould  have  been 
entirely  completed  long  before  this  but  that  I 
waited  for  your  opinion  on  them,  as  you  were 
expected  in  town  almost  daily  for  some  time 
past.  However,  I have  now  sent  two  of  the 
corners  and  centre,  accompanied  with  the  diffi- 

* It  would  appear  from  this  letter  that  Flaxman 
painted  some  of  the  figures  on  Wedgwood’s  drawing- 
room, besides  Angelica  Kauffmann,  as  explained  in  a 
previous  note. 


230 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


culties  I am  under,  for  your  contemplation  and 
decision.  I think,  Avhen  yon  have  fastened  them 
with  pins  in  their  places  and  considered  the 
effect,  yon  will  find  either  the  heads  are  too 
large  for  the  centre,  or  that  the  figures  in  the 
centre  are  disproportionately  small  for  the  heads. 
If  yon  think  the  heads  have  a proper  effect,  and 
are  not  too  large  when  seen  in  their  proper 
places,  I must  reduce  the  number  of  figures  in 
tlie  centre  and  place  them  npriglit  in  the  long 
way  of  the  oval,  retaining  tlie  allegoiy,  or  make 
tliem  genii  children  telling  the  same  story  ; by 
which  means  also  the  whole  will  have  a better 
proportion.  If  jmn  think  the  figures  in  the 
centre  of  a proper  height  and  the  heads  too 
large  and  heav^g  I will  alter  the  corner  to  whole 
figures  of  children  (genii)  sitting  with  the  same 
attitude  the  heads  have  now  ; and  in  this  case 
I shall  reduce  the  number  of  figures  in  the 
centre  to  show  the  outlines  more  distinctly,  like 
paintings  on  the  Etruscan  vases,  as  this  manner 
has  the  best  effect.  When  you  have  deter- 
mined these  matters  and  sent  back  the  paintings, 
they  shall  be  finished  with  all  possible  despatch. 

“ I wish  you  may  soon  come  to  town  to  see 
Sir  William  Hamilton’s  vase  (Barberini  or  Port- 
land vase).  It  is  the  finest  production  of  art 
that  has  been  brought  to  England,  and  seems 
to  be  the  very  apex  of  perfection  to  which  you 
are  endeavoring  to  bring  your  bisque  and  jasper. 
It  is  of  the  kind  called  ‘ Murrinan  ’ by  Pliny, 


Wedgwood  and  Flaxman 


231 


made  of  dark  blue  glass  with  wliite  enamel 
figures.  The  vase  is  about  a foot  high  and  the 
figures  between  five  and  six  inches,  engraved 
in  the  same  manner  as  a cameo,  and  of  the 
grandest  and  most  perfect  Greek  sculpture. 

“ Since  I repaired  the  bust  of  Mrs.  Siddons 
after  moulding,  a friend  of  mine,  J.  B.  Burgess, 
Esq.,  of  Bedford  Square,  has  been  very  desirous 
to  purchase  it,  to  set  it  with  the  model  of  Mer- 
cury and  several  other  models  he  bas  of  mine. 
As  yon  have  the  mould  of  the  model  I think 
it  cannot  be  of  much  use.  To  let  Mr.  Burgess 
have  it  will  oblige  him  and  be  of  some  little 
advantage  to  me.  You  may  depend  on  this  : no 
other  use  will  be  made  of  it  than  being  placed 
in  his  study,  and  if  I have  your  permission  to 
sell  it  to  him,  I shall  take  off  half  my  charge  for 
it  in  your  bill. 

“ I return  you  many  thanks  tor  the  liberal 
praise  you  bestowed  on  my  chess-figures,  and 
with  best  and  most  respectful  wishes  to  Mrs. 
Wedgwood  and  your  family  from  Mrs.  Flaxman 
and  myself,  I have  the  honor  to  be, 

“ Sir,  your  most  obliged  servant, 

“J.  Flaxman.” 

Mr.  Wedgwood  answered  the  above  letter  as 
follows  : 

‘‘Etrukia,  20th  February,  1784. 

‘‘  Dear  Sir  : I duly  received  your  favor  of 
tlie  5th  inst.,  with  the  observations  you  were  so 


232 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


kind  as  to  make  upon  tlie  paintings  for  my  draw- 
ing-room ceiling,  stating  some  difficulties  you 
were  under  and  desiring  my  decision  ujjon  them. 

The  two  heads  of  divinities  and  a sketch  of 
the  allegory  for  the  centre  came  to  my  hands 
last  night.  I have  hastily  looked  them  over, 
but  am  obliged  to  put  them  by  for  the  present, 
having  neither  time  to  consider  them  nor  the 
hints  you  give  me  in  your  letter  with  the  atten- 
tion they  deserve.  'When  I can  take  them  up 
again,  I will  write  you  further.  Mr.  Byerley 
will  tell  you  something  of  my  situation. 

“I  can  only  add  that  you  have  my  free  con- 
sent, as  it  will  so  much  oblige  your  friend  Mr. 
Burgess,  to  let  him  have  the  bust  of  Mrs.  Sid- 
dons  ; the  mould  will  serve  my  purposes.  I am 
much  obliged  to  you  for  the  information  you 
give  me  respecting  Sir  William  Hamilton’s  fine 
vase,  and  promise  mj^self  an  exquisite  treat 
when  I do  come  to  town,  bnt  the  time  is  at 
present  unavoidably  uncertain. 

‘‘  We  are  getting  forward  with  the  chessmen, 
and  hope  soon  to  send  a complete  set  to  Greek 
Street.  Mrs.  Wedgwood  and  my  young  folks 
unite  in  most  respectful  compliments  to  Mrs. 
Flaxman  and  yourself,  with,  dear  sir, 

‘Wour  faithful  and  obedient  servant, 

‘Mos.  Wedgwood.” 

Our  next  document  is  an  account  from  Wil- 
liam Flaxman  (John’s  brother),  the  frame- 


Wedgicood  and  Flaxman 


233 


maker  and  wood-carver,  for  frames  supplied, 
amounting  to  £35  6s.  6d.the  principal  item  being 
£27  for  frames  supplied  to  Master  Thomas 
Wedgwood  for  Mr.  De  Loutlierberg’s  pictures. 
Flaxman  informed  Wedgwood  in  the  following 
year  of  the  new  works  he  is  preparing  for 
Etruria. 

“ Wardour  Street,  20th  October,  1785. 

“ Sir  : Mr.  Byerley  favored  me  Avith  your  orders 
concerning  the  three  tablets,  ^.  €.,  two  of  Her- 
cules and  his  Companions  in  the  Hesperian  Gar- 
dens, and  Coriolanus’s  Mother  Persuading  Him 
to  Return  to  Rome.  The  figures  in  the  print 
are  4|  inches  high,  and  I have  modelled  my 
figures  5|  inches,  which  allows  one-seventh  for 
shrinking  in  the  bisque.  I should  be  greatly 
obliged  to  you  for  information  if  you  wonld  like 
to  have  the  other  tablets  modelled  in  the  same 
proportion.  With  respects  to  Mrs.  WedgAvood 
and  family, 

“ I have  the  honor  to  be,  etc., 

“J.  Flaxman,  Jr.” 

Besides  these  works,  Flaxman  designed  a bas- 
relief  of  the  Birth  of  Achilles,  and  a matchless 
bronze  vase,  called  by  WedgAVOod  a ‘^bronze 
encaustic,”  in  imitation  of  real  bronze,  both  of 
Avhich  Avere  greatly  admired.  The  next  letter 
relates  to  his  other  Avorks.  Flaxman  also  fur- 
nished (1 2th  December)  a bas-relief  in  Avax  of 
Venturia  and  Volumnia  Entreating  Coriolanus. 


234 


Josiah  WedgiooocJ 


‘‘AYardour  Street,  13tli  December,  1785. 

“Sir:  I am  concerned  that  I could  not  send  this 
bas-relief  sooner,  upon  wliich  I have  been  chiefly 
obliged  to  Avork  at  night ; and  noAV  and  then  I 
liave  taken  a day  for  some  large  monuments  I 
haAm  in  hand  Avhich  are  in  great  haste.  I hope, 
hoAvever,  on  comparing  this  model  Avith  that  of 
Homer  and  Hesiod  jmu  Avill  find  it  veiy  supe- 
rior. I shall  take  great  pleasure  in  modelling 
Hercules  in  the  Hesperian  Gardens;  and  I think 
I can  make  it  equal  to  Sir  William  Hamilton’s 
vase.  If  3"ou  are  Avilling,  I should  do  my 
utmost,  but  then  I cannot  set  an  exact  price 
on  it  until  it  is  finished.  I should  also  be 
particularly  obliged  to  jmu  for  instructions 
respecting  the  thickness.  If  it  might  be  done 
as  thin  as  the  Avork  on  the  before-mentioned 
vase,  it  Avould  be  more  perfect,  and  the  blue 
ground  might  shoAv  through  the  thin  parts  of 
the  drapery,  Avhich  several  artists  and  other 
persons  of  taste  have  remarked  to  me  is  a 
great  advantage  Avhere  it  can  be  done  ; but  if 
it  must  be  thickei’,  you  Avill  be  so  kind  as  to 
let  me  have  a pattern.  Your  ansAver,  A\dien  lei- 
sure Avill  permit,  Avill  add  to  the  obligations 
already  conferred  on, 

“ Sir,  your  much  obliged  and  humble  servant, 
“ J.  Flaxman,  Jr.” 

WedgAvood’s  next  letter  to  Flaxman  related 
to  the  designs  for  the  famous  plaques  which  the 


Wedgwood  and  Flaxman  235 

sculptor  was  preparing  to  represent  Peace  be- 
tween England  and  France. 

‘‘ Etrueia,  2d  November,  1786. 

‘‘  Dear  Sir  : I should  have  returned  you  the 
enclosed  drawing  with  a few  lines  upon  it  before 
now,  but  have  been  to  visit  a sick  friend  at 
Buxton,  which,  with  other  necessary  matters, 
have  taken  up  almost  the  whole  of  my  time 
since  my  return  home. 

‘‘Nothing  in  my  opinion  can  more  properly 
or  more  forcibly  express  the  ideas  we  wish  to 
bring  forward  than  the  group  of  figures  you 
gave  me,  and  which  I now  enclose  ; but  as  it 
will  be  necessary  to  have  them  divided  into 
two  parts  in  order  to  have  pair  of  medallions, 
that  circumstance  will  call  for  a little  alteration 
in  the  disposal  of  the  figures.  The  three  middle 
figures  will  make  one  medallion,  which  I will 
call  No.  1.  The  Burning  of  the  Imidements  of 
War  and  the  figure  of  Peace  must  then  form 
another  group  for  medallion  No.  2. 

“ Montfaucon,  in  his  ‘Antiquities  ’ (vol.  i.  part 
ii.p.  349),  speaking  of  the  manner  in  which  Virtue 
is  represented,  says  : ‘ In  Gordiano  virtus  Au- 
gusti  exprimitur  per  Herculem  exuvias  leonis 
gestantem  et  clavie  innexum.’  I have  got  Mr. 
Webber  to  sketch  me  this  Hercules  to  represent 
Virtue  and  the  Implements  of  War  sacrificing 
upon  an  altar  sacred  to  Commerce  ; but  this  is 
not  meant  by  any  means  to  preclude  any  altera- 


23G 


Josiah  Weclr/ioood 


tion  or  better  mode  of  expressing  the  same  thing 
which  will  2:»robably  occur  to  you.  I only  mean 
to  make  a separate  group  for  my  own  conven- 
ience, and  leave  it  to  you  to  make  that  group 
what  you  please. 

‘‘We  must  take  care  not  to  show  that  these 
representations  were  invented  by  an  English- 
man ; as  they  are  meant  to  be  conciliatory,  they 
should  be  scrupulously  impartial.  The  figures, 
for  instance,  which  represent  the  two  nations 
should  be  equally  magnificent  and  important 
in  their  dress,  attitude,  character,  and  attri- 
butes ; and  Mercury  should  not,  perhaps,  seem 
more  inclined  to  one  than  to  the  other, but  show  a 
full  front  face  between  them;  and, if  you  think 
there  is  no  impropriety  in  it,  I should  wish 
France  to  have  her  helmet  and  shield  as  well 
as  Britannia,  and  the  fleur-de-lis  upon  the 
latter. 

“ The  figures  must  be  modelled  eight  inches 
high,  and  you  knoAV  uj^on  this  occasion  expedi- 
tion is  of  great  consequence,  so  I will  detain 
you  no  longer  than  while  I beg  your  pardon  for 
this  exercise  of  your  patience,  and  that  you  will 
believe  me,  with  compliments  to  Mrs.  Flaxman, 
“ Dear  sir,  yours,  etc., 

“Jos.  Wedgwood. 

“ I have  some  doubt  of  Hercules  being  a 
proper  representation  of  Virtue.  A female 
figure  may,  perhaps,  be  better,  but  this  is  left  to 
your  better  judgment.  J.  W.” 


Wedgwood  and  Flaxman 


237 


In  1775  Flaxman  had  finished  his  drawings 
of  the  chessmen,  had  modelled  the  King  of 
Sweden,  a portrait  of  Governor  Hastings,  and 
designed  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Meerman’s  portraits. 
Daring  the  next  two  years  he  was  mainly 
occupied  with  the  plaques,  some  of  which  em- 
bodied his  finest  works.  There  was  Mercury 
Joining  the  Hands  of  England  and  France,  and 
Peace  Preventino*  Mars  from  Bursting  the  Door 
of  Janus’s  Temple.  He  also  finished  the  bas- 
relief  of  Hercules  in  the  Gardens  of  the  Hesper- 
ides,  and  he  was  now  able  to  mention  the  cost 
of  the  work,  which  was  twenty-three  pounds. 
In  the  following  letter  Flaxman  refers  to  two 
of  these  designs  : 

‘‘  Wardour  Street,  12th  January,  1787. 

“ Sir  : I have  the  honor  to  trouble  you  with 
my  bas-relief  of  Mars  and  Peace,  which  I hope 
you  will  like.  I have  sent  the  model  without 
any  mould,  because  I apprehend,  on  second 
thoughts,  your  people  will  make  a model  better 
and  fitter  for  your  purpose  than  I can  ; and  it 
will  be  some  advantage  for  them  to  see  the 
taste  of  finishing  before  it  undergoes  that 
operation  ; which  will  be  attended  with  no 
more  difficulty  than  the  two  last  wax  models  I 
sent,  the  casts  from  which  were  made  at  your 
factory.  I am  going  on  with  the  other  bas- 
relief  and  the  cliirnney-piece.  I return  my 
grateful  thanks  for  the  kind  enquiries  after  Mrs. 


238 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


Flaxmaii,  who  desires  her  respectful  com- 
pliments to  Mrs.  and  Miss  Wedgwood  and 
yourself,  together  Avith, 

Sir,  your  most  obliged  servant, 

“ J.  Flaxman.” 

This  is  the  last  letter  I possess  from  Flaxman 
to  Wedgwood,  before  the  former  left  London 
for  Rome.  I find  that  Wedgwood  paid  FJax- 
man,  between  July,  1V73,  to  August,  1787, 
£196  15s,  8d.  at  different  times.  These  sums 
included  Flaxman’s  draAvings  and  models, 
together  Avith  mason’s  charges,  packing-cases, 
bookings,  and  such  like.  After  Flaxman,  Avith 
the  help  of  his  economical  Avife,  had  accumu- 
lated sufficient  means  to  enable  them  to  set  out 
on  their  journey,  they  left  London  in  the 
autumn  of  1787.  Flaxman  could  now  look 
back  upon  the  time  Avhen  he  shoAved  his  draAV- 
ing  of  a human  eye  to  Mortimer,  who  asked  : 
^Ms  that  an  03^ster  ? ” to  the  refusal  of  Sir 
Joshua  Rejmolds  to  aAvard  him  the  gold  medal 
because  he  preferred  his  inglorious  opponent, 
Engleheart  ; and  also  to  Sir  Joshua’s  still  more 
recent  censure  upon  Flaxman  that  he  was 

ruined  for  an  artist  ” because  he  had  married 
Ann  Denham.  And  noAv  Flaxman  AA^as  setting 
out  for  Rome,  accompanied  by  his  wife,  to 
shoAV,  in  the  sculptor’s  own  Avords,  ‘‘  that  wed- 
lock is  for  a man’s  good  rather  than  for  his 
harm.” 


Wedgwood  and  Flaxman  239 

Wedgwood  furnished  Flaxman  with  letters  of 
introduction  to  his  friends  at  Rome.  To  Micali 
of  Leghorn  he  wrote  as  to  the  bill  of  lading  of 
Flaxman’s  chest  : ‘‘It  is  the  property  of  Mr. 
Flaxman,  an  artist  of  this  country,  and  a much 
valued  friend  of  mine,  who  is  going  to  make 
some  residence  in  Italy.  . . Whatever  ex- 

penses may  be  incurred,  you  will  please  charge  to 
my  account,  and  favor  me  with  a line  of  advice.” 

Flaxman  and  his  wife  went  by  Paris,  and 
stayed  a few  days  there.  He  was  visited  by 
the  Due  de  Bouillon,  who  gave  him  a few  com- 
missions for  Wedgwood.  The  travellers  went 
forward  to  Rome,  and  arrived  there  safely. 
Wedgwood’s  eldest  son,  accompanied  by  Web- 
ber, was  in  Rome  at  the  time  of  his  arrival,  and 
visited  him  frequentl}^  Flaxman  continued 
to  do  work  for  W edgwood.  Many  letters  may 
have  passed  between  them  ; but  the  first  I 
possess  is  dated  24th  December,  I'ZSS,  about  a 
year  after  his  arrival  in  Rome.  In  that  letter 
Flaxman  says  : “ I am  concerned  you  have  not 
received  the  wax  model  of  the  Prince  of  Pied- 
mont’s portrait.  . . It  was  sent  in  Mr.  J. 
Wedgwood’s  baggage,  with  the  snuffbox  from 
which  it  was  copied.  . . I am  finishing  a 

bas-relief,  restored  from  the  antique,  of  the 
Birth  of  Bacchus  for  Mr.  Wedgwood.”  Flax- 
man also  sent  a finished  model  of  Mercury  from 
Rome,  and  another  of  Shakspere. 

Canova  had  the  greatest  respect  and  admira- 


240 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


tion  for  tlie  works  of  Flaxmaii.  He  made  an 
ex})ress  visit  from  Venice  to  Rome  for  tlie 
purpose  of  seeing  and  making  tlie  acquaintance 
of  the  English  sculptor.  It  Avas  on  this  occasion, 
says  the  3Iagazine  of  Art,  that  he  made  his 
well-knoAvn  apothegm  as  to  the  English  method 
of  judging  ; for  when  asked  by  one  of  the 
fashionable  celebrities,  who  buzzed  about  him 
in  swarms,  to  Avliat  circumstance  they  Avere 
indebted  for  the  honor  of  his  visit,  he  told  him 
he  had  come  to  see  their  sculptor  Flaxman. 

Flaxman  ! ” replied  the  magnate  ; “ we  think 
very  little  of  him  here.”  “Yon  in  England,” 
said  Canova,  “judge  through  your  ears,  and 
not  by  your  eyes.” 

While  at  Rome  Flaxman  had  much  inter- 
course with  M)-.  Deveare,  one  of  Wedgwood’s 
designers  and  agents.  lie  was  a man  of  much 
ability.  In  a letter  to  Byerley,  London,  Avritten 
in  the  spring  of  1788,  Flaxman  says  : “ Wlien 
you  Avrite  to  Mr.  WedgAvood,  you  Avill  be  so 
kind  as  to  inform  him  that  Mr.  Deveare  has 
been  at  Avork  Avith  the  utmost  diligence  ever 
since  he  lias  been  here  on  the  bas-relief  of  the 
Borghese  vase,  in  Avhich  he  has  succeeded  very 
Avell,  but  it  will  still  take  him  some  Aveeks  to 
finish,  and  after  he  has  done  I also  shall  have 
something  to  do  with  it.  Mr.  WedgAvood  Avill 
easily  concur,  as  this  is  new  AVork  to  Mr. 
Deveare,  that  he  must  needs  be  sIoav  at  first, 
especially  as  he  takes  so  much  pains.” 


Wedgwood  and  Flaxman  241 

While  in  Rome,  Deveare  (afterward,  when 
he  came  to  Etruria,  known  as  John  de  Vere) 
did  his  work  in  Flaxman’s  studio,  and  thus  his 
modelling  was  open  to  the  suggestions  and 
improvements  of  the  English  sculptor,  who  was 
never  wanting  in  his  praise.  Thus,  in  the 
following  year,  Flaxman  informed  Wedgwood 
that  “Mr.  Deveare  has  finished  the  bas-relief 
of  Proserpine  in  the  most  beautiful  manner.” 
Wedgwood  returned  his  thanks  to  Flaxman  in 
the  most  cordial  manner,  especially  for  De- 
veare’s  model  of  the  Discovery  of  Achilles.  In 
the  meantime  Flaxman  mostly  worked  at  the 
statues  and  monuments,  for  which  purpose  he 
had  come  to  Rome.  He  continued  his  drawings 
after  the  ancient  classics,  always  showing  his 
fine  sense  of  the  harmony  of  composition  ; he 
executed  his  illustrations  of  Homer,  ^schylus, 
and  Dante,  saturating  his  fancy  with  the  spirit 
of  the  days  of  old.  After  spending  several 
years  in  Rome  he  returned  to  London,  where 
he  was  duly  recognized  as  the  greatest  sculptor 
of  his  time. 

We  have  already  given  some  account  of  the 
relation  between  Flaxman  and  Deveare  in  rela- 
tion to  the  bas-reliefs.  We  now  give  another, 
and  the  last,  letter  from  Flaxman  to  Wedg- 
wood : 

“Rome,  20th  January,  1790. 

“ Sir  : During  my  residence  here  I have 
troubled  you  with  two  or  three  short  letters, 
11 


242 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


chiefly  relating  to  Mr.  Deveare,  and  as  I shall 
leave  this  place  in  less  than  three  months,  it  is 
necessary  for  me  to  add  another,  that  every 
thing  relating  to  him  as  far  as  concerns  me  may 
be  settled  before  my  departure.  Mr.  Deveare 
and  myself  felt  particular  uneasiness  at  the  in- 
formation contained  in  your  two  last  letters, 
that  the  two  last  bas-reliefs  he  sent  to  you 
were  so  much  broken  and  spoiled.  We  both 
earnestly  hope  the  damage  is  not  irreparable, 
but  if  it  is,  and  was  my  concern,  I should  cer- 
tainl3^  desire  jmur  permission  to  make  the  loss 
good,  and  I am  sure  Mr.  Deveare  will  be  as 
desirous  to  do  this  as  m^^self.  When  he  packed 
the  first  bas-relief,  I superintended  him,  and 
saw  that  it  was  packed  in  the  same  manner 
with  those  I have  sent  from  London  to  Etruria. 
I saw  the  second  packed  in  the  same  manner  ; 
but  for  the  third  and  fourth  I do  not  remember 
seeing  them  packed,  or,  if  I did,  my  mind  has 
since  been  engaged  so  much  on  other  objects 
that  it  has  escaped  my  memory,  yet  Mr.  Deveare 
assures  me  they  were  packed  exactly  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  first,  except  as  to  the  width 
of  the  paper,  and  therefore  I am  at  a loss  to 
account  for  the  misfortune.  However,  we  have 
determined  on  a method  for  packing  for  the 
future  which  cannot  fail  to  convey  your  work 
safely,  unless  the  packing-box  itself  should  be 
broken  to  pieces.  In  addition  to  the  directions 
for  packing  given  in  your  two  last  letters. 


Wedgwood  and  Flaxman  243 

wliicli  shall  be  carefully  attended  to,  the  box 
itself  shall  be  well  wrapped  in  straw,  and  tightly 
sewed  in  coarse  cloth.  I likewise  desired  Mr.  D. 
to  propose  in  his  letter  to  you  that  he  should 
mould  the  work  he  does  for  you,  and  send  the 
mould  by  another  ship,  or  keep  the  mould  until 
he  receives  advice  from  you  of  the  safe  arrival 
of  the  model,  when  it  shall  be  immediately 
destroyed.  This  scheme  was  suggested  by  me 
merely  for  your  security,  and  you  will  of  course 
accept  or  reject  it  as  shall  seem  most  convenient. 

‘‘The  bas-relief  of  the  Discovery  of  Achilles 
which  Mr.  D.  has  just  finished  (of  which  he  has 
enclosed  a sketch  in  his  letter,  and  which  only 
waits  your  instructions  to  be  sent  to  England) 
is,  in  my  opinion,  a sufficient  evidence  of  his 
attention  and  improvement.  We  fixed  on  this 
subject  for  its  beauty  and  expression,  and,  not- 
withstanding the  original  is  much  mutilated  by 
time,  Mr.  D.’s  copy  is  full  of  the  sentiment  of 
the  fine  antique,  and  some  parts  particularly 
are  so  well  executed  that  it  would  be  difficult 
to  exceed  them. 

“As  I shall  quit  Rome  in  so  short  a time,  I 
must  beg  your  attention  to  the  following  par- 
ticulars. There  is  a clause  in  the  agreement 
between  you  and  Mr.  Deveare  which  stipulates 
that  his  weekly  salary  shall  be  raised  the  second 
year  of  his  engagement,  and  that  it  shall  be 
again  raised  the  third  year,  on  condition  that 
you  shall  be  satisfied  with  his  studies  and  pro- 


244 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


d actions.  I wish  it  were  possible  for  you  to 
see  his  last  work  immediately,  which  would  en- 
able you  to  decide  with  more  certainty  ; but 
as  this  cannot  be,  you  must  rely  partly  on  the 
truth  of  my  representation,  and  for  the  rest 
judge  from  what  you  have  seen.  It  is  very  cer- 
tain that  the  expense  of  Mr,  D.’s  journey  was  a 
considerable  sum,  entirely  owing  to  you,  and  it 
is  also  certain  that  your  expense  in  each  of  the 
works  he  has  done  has  been  very  great ; but  it 
is  equally  certain  that  no  man  can  be  more  in- 
dustrious or  zealous  to  improve,  that  he  had  a 
new  profession  to  study,  and  I believe,  of  the 
bas-reliefs  he  has  sent  to  England,  the  last  will 
always  be  found  the  best  and  least  expensive  in 
proportion  to  the  labor.  You  will  favor  me 
with  your  determination  on  this  subject,  which 
I shall  communicate  to  Mr.  D. ; and  whatever 
it  may  be  I am  sure  he  will  consider  it  as  pro- 
ceeding from  that  justice  and  generosity  which 
he  has  already  so  amply  experienced. 

‘‘  Mr.  Deveare  desires  me  to  inform  you  that 
he  should  be  willing  to  continue  his  present  em- 
ployment for  you  in  Rome  after  the  expiration 
of  his  agreement  upon  the  following  conditions  : 
that  he  will  take  up  no  money  on  his  work  until 
he  delivers  the  bas-reliefs  into  the  hands  of  Mr. 
Jenkins  for  its  conveyance  to  England,  that  he 
will  then  receive  half  the  payment  of  his  time, 
that  he  will  send  the  account  of  his  time  with 
the  work  to  you,  and  he  will  then  for  the  re- 


Wedgwood  and  Flaxman  245 

maining  moiety  receive  so  much  as  you,  upon 
inspection,  shall  think  the  labor  deserves. 

“ I shall  conclude  my  letter  with  a few  words 
concerning  myself.  I hope  the  choice  of  sub- 
jects which  I have  given  to  Mr.  Deveare  are 
such  as  will  do  no  discredit  to  your  bisque,  and 
will  please  the  discerning  connoisseur.  Tliey 
are  at  least  such  as  I should  have  chosen  for 
myself.  I had  the  double  desire  of  doing  that 
which  would  be  agreeable  to  you,  and  at  the 
same  time  of  serving  Mr.  Deveare  in  such  small 
matters  as  these.  Only  I have  been  his  friend; 
it  is  you  that  have  been  his  patron  and  his  essen- 
tial friend,  and  he  is  sensible  of  his  obligations. 

am  concerned  that  I have  not  entirely  fin- 
ished the  bas-relief  of  the  Birth  of  Bacchus, 
which  I began  for  you  so  long  ago.  It  is 
nearly  finished.  I shall  bring  it  to  England 
with  me,  and  about  three  weeks  after  my  ar- 
rival will  end  it.  The  studies  I have  made,  so 
absolutely  necessary  to  my  improvement,  one 
considerable  work  which  I have  finished,  and 
another  I am  engaged  in,  have  engrossed  my 
time  and  thoughts.  You  will,  I am  sure,  be 
well  convinced  that  I ought  to  lose  no  time  or 
opportunity  while  I remain  here  for  furnish- 
ing my  mind'  with  information  for  my  future 
employment.  My  career  here  now  draws  to- 
ward a conclusion.  I have  refused  some  con- 
siderable business  that  I might  not  be  detained 
longer  than  the  time  I had  appointed  from  my 


246 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


fi’iends  and  country  ; and  with  the  permission 
of  God  we  shall  see  each  other  in  June  next. 
Mrs.  Flaxman  unites  with  me  in  respectful  re- 
membrance and  best  wishes  to  yourself,  Mrs. 
Wedgwood,  and  all  your  family.  We  also  beg 
our  loves  to  our  good  friends  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Byerley,  and  are  impatient  to  see  them,  as  well 
as  our  other  friends.  I have  the  honor  to 
remain, 

“ Sir,  your  much  obliged  friend, 

“John  Flaxman,  Je.” 


CHAPTER  XVIII 


WEDGWOOD  AT  WOEK  AGAIN— DEATH  OF 
BENTLEY 

Haying  already  occupied  so  mucli  space  with 
the  history  of  Flaxman  and  his  work  for  the 
great  potter,  it  is  necessary  that  we  should 
return  to  the  personal  history  of  Wedgwood 
himself. 

For  him  there  was  no  finality  in  the  develop- 
ment of  his  profession.  It  was  not  enough 
that  he  had  achieved  success.  He  went  for- 
ward Avith  improvements  on  wliat  he  had  al- 
ready done,  and  liis  fame  steadily  greAV.  His 
works  at  Etruria  became  a point  of  attraction 
to  numerous  visitors  from  all  parts  of  Europe. 

‘‘  The  importance  of  the  manufacture  Avhich 
he  brought  to  so  prosperous  a state,”  says 
Marryat,  in  his  “ History  of  Pottery  and 
Porcelain,”  ‘^is  proved  by  the  fact  that,  al- 
though many  of  the  states  of  Europe  had 
prohibited  the  admission  of  Britisli  earth- 
eiiAvare,  and  others  had  loaded  it  Avith 
very  high  duties,  five-sixths  of  the  quantity 
Avhich  he  made  Avere  exported  ; and  his  earth- 
eiiAvare  cameos  were  so  esteemed  by  foreign- 


248 


Josiah  V/edgniood 


ers  that  they  were  eagerly  purchased  hy  them, 
and  may  be  found  in  many  cabinets  abroad 
amid  tlie  most  sj^lendid  specimens  of  Sevres 
and  Dresden  porcelain.  Wedgwood  succeeded 
completely  in  giving  to  hard  pottery  the  vivid 
colors  and  brilliant  glaze  which,  until  that  pe- 
riod, had  been  seen  only  upon  porcelain.  His 
ware  was  sold  at  a price,  too,  which  brought  it 
within  the  means  of  general  consumption,  both 
at  home  and  abroad.” 

It  may  also  be  added  that  the  beautiful  set 
of  chessmen,  designed  by  Flaxman,  were  the 
first  in  modern  times  executed  in  pottery.  The 
author  of  the  article  “ Flaxman,”  in  the  ninth 
edition  of  the  “ Encyclopjedia  Britannica,”  ob- 
serves that  the  extreme  refinements  of  figure, 
outline,  and  modelling  which  Wedgwood 
aimed  at  in  his  ware  w^ere  not  the  qualities 
best  suited  to  such  a material  ; or  it  might  be 
regretted  that  the  gifts  of  one  of  the  greatest 
figure  designers  who  ever  lived  should  have 
been  employed  in  such  a minor  and  half  me- 
chanical art  of  household  decoration  ; but  the 
beauty  of  the  product  it  would  be  idle  to  deny, 
or  the  value  of  the  training  which  the  sculptor 
by  this  practice  acquired  in  the  delicacies,  the 
very  utmost  delicacies,  of  modelling  in  low 
relief,  and  on  a minute  scale. 

But  the  sculptor,  in  his  early  days,  must  nec- 
essarily^ support  himself  and  his  noble  wife  by  his 
earnings  from  those  who  had  the  courage  and 


Wedgwood  at  Worh  Again 


249 


munificence  to  employ  him.  Besides,  his  draw- 
ings after  the  ancient  Greeks,  and  his  practice 
in  modelling  figures  for  Wedgwood’s  plaques, 
and  his  designs  of  playful  children  Avith  Avhich 
he  ornamented  the  teapots  and  other  wares, 
were  but  the  earnests  of  his  future  career  as 
the  greatest  sculptor  of  his  time.  The  remark- 
able series  of  drawings  published  through  the 
enterprise  of  Mr.  F.  Rathbone,  a Avorshipper 
of  WedgAA^ood,*  and  executed  by  M.  F.  Appel 
of  Paris,  under  the  title  of  “Old  Wedgwood, 
the  Ceramic  Relief  Art  of  the  Eighteenth  Cen- 
tury,” Avill  serve  to  shoAV  Avhat  an  influence  the 
sculptor’s  early  practice,  as  Avell  as  the  munifi- 
cent potter’s  enterprise,  Iiad  upon  advancing 
the  art  of  the  century  he  lived  in.  The  draAV- 
ings  consist  of  vases,  plaques,  medallions,  por- 
traits, intaglios,  and  cameos  produced  by  the 
famous  potter  during  the  years  betAveen  lYSO 
and  1795.  ISTot  satisfied  Avith  his  knoAvl- 
edge  of  English,  WedgAvood  Avas  learning 
French.  He  also  proceeded  Avith  his  study  of 
chemistry,  botany,  drawing,  designing,  and 
conchology.  He  endeavored  to  get  to  the  bot- 
tom of  every  thing.  His  knoAvledge  and  ap- 
prehension involved  the  entire  study  of  natural 
science.  And  the  results  Avere  seen  in  the  ad- 
mirable works  which  he  executed.  “My 
tablets,”  he  said  in  one  of  his  letters,  “only 

* The  drawings  are  published  by  Mr.  Quaritch,  Pic- 
cadilly. 


250 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


want  age  and  scarcity  to  be  worth  any  price.” 
This  prophecy  proved  entirely  true. 

Wliile  occupied  with  liis  plaques,  cameos, 
seals,  and  ornamental  teapots,  Wedgwood  did 
not  neglect  his  useful  ware,  Avliich  was  the  foun- 
dation of  his  prosperity.  The  queen  patron- 
ized his  beautiful  pearl-white  tea-ware,  Avhich 
soon  became  popular.  Her  Majesty  also  visited 
Wedgwood’s  collection  of  works  in  Greek 
Street  on  19th  June,  1779.  “I  thank  her 
Majesty,”  wrote  Wedgwood  to  Bentley,  “ for 
the  honor  she  has  done  to  the  pearl-white,  and 
I hope  it  will  have  due  influence  upon  her  loyal 
subjects.  The  dishes  to  complete  the  service 
have  gone  to-day.”  On  the  following  day 
Wedgwood  wrote  to  Bentley  : The  box  sent 

last  night  contained  a head  of  the  queen  and 
another  of  the  king.” 

But  most  important  of  all  was  the  new  com- 
position for  mortars  which  Wedgwood,  with 
his  complete  knowledge  of  clay,  contrived  for 
the  use  of  the  apothecaries  of  Great  Britain, 
and,  indeed,  of  all  the  world.  He  had  been  ac- 
customed to  supply  Hr.  Priestley  with  crucibles 
and  retorts  before  he  left  Leeds,  and  they  Avere 
noAv  in  considerable  demand  by  philosophers 
and  chemists  in  this  and  foreign  countries ; but 
the  introduction  and  general  use  of  his  mortars 
came  later  in  his  life.  At  first  the  surface  of 
the  mortar  blistered  ; but  by  constant  experi- 
ments he  entirely  obviated  this  great  defect. 


251 


Wedgwood  at  Work  Again 

By  the  use  of  Cornish  clay  he  was  enabled  to 
make  the  entire  mortar  and  pestle  perfect. 
Wedgwood’s  invention  was  taken  up  at  the 
Apothecaries’  Hall,  and  from  the  tests  which 
tliey  withstood  there  his  mortars  and  pestles 
acquired  a fame  which  has  lasted  to  the  present 
day. 

These  were  happy  years  for  Josiah  Wedg- 
wood ; there  were  lights  and  shadows,  as  there 
must  be  in  every  life,  but  in  the  main  he  was 
prosperous  in  every  respect  ; liis  chief  joy  was 
in  his  wife  and  children,  whom  he  dearly  loved. 
Bentley,  in  London,  had  been  very  unwell,  and 
Wedgwood  advised  him  to  take  a ramble. 
“ Have  you  got  a horse  ? ” he  asked,  “ for  a good 
horse,  witli  its  consequences,  are  first-rate  bless- 
ings. . . Sukey  [his  eldest  daughter]  is  now 
very  well,  and  pretty  strong,  which  I attribute 
very  much  to  her  riding  on  horseback.  We 
sally  forth,  half-a-dozen  of  us,  by  six  or  seven 
in  the  morning,  and  return  with  appetites 
scarcely  to  be  satisfied.  Then  we  are  busy  with 
our  hay,  and  we  have  just  made  a new  garden. 
Sometimes  Ave  make  experiments,  then  read  and 
draw  a little,  so  that  altogether  we  are  very 
busy  folks.  . . Sukey  is  quite  out  of  patience 
with  her  old  spinet,  until  her  ncAv  one  arrives, 
Avith  its  double  ke^^s.  . . My  girl  is  quite 

tired  out  Avith  her  miserable  hum-strum  ; it 
takes  half  her  master’s  time  to  put  it  in  tune.” 

WedgAVOod  told  Bentley  that  he  spent  his 


252 


Josiah  Wedgtcood 


liolidays  Avitli  liis  boys  at  home.  It  must  have 
been  a happy  family.  He  regretted  that  he 
could  uot  go  to  London,  having  a bad  cold, 
and  could  not  accept  Bentley’s  invitation  to 
smoke  a pipe  with  him  at  Turnham  Green. 
Bentley  had  removed  to  that  quarter  of  Lon- 
don, against  Wedgwood’s  advice,  because  it 
was  too  low  and  too  near  the  river.  Wedg- 
wood continued  happily  engaged  with  his  boys 
at  home.  They  were  very  busy  with  chemistry 
and  chemical  combinations.  To  Bentley  he 
wrote  (17th  March,  1779  ):  “We  want  noth- 
ing just  now,  my  dear  friend,  but  a little  more 
time,  and  in  that  article  we  find  ourselves 
greatly  limited.  We  husband  what  little 
portion  is  allotted  to  ns  with  tolerable  econ- 
omy. We  rise  before  the  sun,  often  before 
daylight,  and  pursue  our  experiments  until 
supper  calls  us  away,  and  even  some  time 
after,  and  yet  all  is  too  little  for  the  studies 
before  us.  The  boj^s  drink  in  knowledge  like 
water,  with  great  avidity,  and  quite  to  my  sat- 
isfaction. Jack  is  very  deep  in  chemical  affini- 
ties, and  I have  no  fear  of  his  making  a tolera- 
ble progress  in  the  science,  for  it  is  much 
pleasanter  to  him  than  grammar  ! Indeed,  I 
have  some  fears  of  the  latter  being  neglected 
for  his  new  study.” 

Wedgwood  gives  in  his  letter  some  painted 
colors  effected  by  Prussian  lixivium,  as  being 
calculated  to  make  the  study  pleasanter  for 


Wedginood  at  Work  Again 


253 


young  people,  and  easier  to  be  stored  up  in  the 
memory.  Besides,  Dr.  Darwin  and  Mr.  Walton 
(the  lecturer  on  chemistry)  quite  approved  of 
the  method. 

In  May,  1119,  Wedgwood  had  two  family 
pictures  modelled  by  Stubbs,  the  animal  painter, 
in  the  following  manner : “ Suke}^  playing  on 
her  harpsichord  with  Kitty  singing  to  her,  which 
she  often  does,  and  Sally  and  her  younger  sis- 
ter on  the  carpet,  in  some  employment  suitable 
to  their  ages.  This  to  be  one  picture.  The 
pendant  to  be  Jack  standing  at  a table  making 
fixable  air  with  his  glass  apparatus,  and  his  two 
brothers  accompanying  him.  Tom  jumping  up 
and  clapping  his  hands  in  joy  and  surprise  at 
seeing  the  stream  of  bubbles  rise  up,  just  as 
Jack  has  put  a little  chalk  to  the  acid.  Joss 
with  the  chemical  dictionary  before  him  in  a 
thoughtful  mood,  which  actions  will  be  de- 
scriptive of  their  respective  characters.” 

Stubbs  painted  another  picture,  including 
Wedgwood  and  his  family,  but  no  portrait  of 
Wedgwood  surpassed  that  by  Sir  Joshua  Reyn- 
olds, which  is  copied  as  the  frontispiece  to 
this  book.  Another  portrait  was  painted  by 
Wright  of  Derby,  but  that  by  Sir  Joshua  stands 
unrivalled. 

Wedgwood  had  two  of  his  sons  at  Bolton 
for  education.  He  began  to  think  that  he  was 
giving  them  education  that  would  be  of  little 
use  to  them  in  after  life,  and  thought  it  would 


254 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


be  better  to  give  them  some  athletic  exercises 
’which  would  establish  their  health  and  improve 
their  constitution.  He  consulted  his  devoted 
friend,  Dr.  Darwin,  who  approved  of  his  views, 
and  thought  it  a very  idle  waste  of  time  for  the 
boys,  who  were  intended  for  trade,  to  learn 
Latin,  as  they  did  not  learn  it  to  any  tolerable 
degree,  or  retain  what  they  learned.  Much  bet- 
ter, he  thought,  that  they  should  learn  modern 
languages, — French  and  German, — as  well  as 
make  them  proficient  in  accounts.  The  boj^s 
were  accordingly  taken  from  the  boarding- 
school  at  Bolton,  and  sent  to  a school  in  the 
immediate  neighborhood  of  Etruria. 

During  these  pleasant  family  meetings  Wedg- 
wood was  sedulous!}^  pursuing  his  own  profes- 
sion. He  was  in  constant  communication  with 
Sir  William  Hamilton,  who  supplied  him  with 
casts  from  bas-reliefs  and  other  antique  sub- 
jects. Sir  William,  in  acknowledging  his  bas- 
relief  of  the  Apotheosis  of  Homer,  a veritable 
masterpiece,  said  it  was  far  superior  to  his  most 
sanguine  expectations.  I am  really  surprised 
and  delighted,”  he  said,  ‘Hn  the  highest  degree 
with  this  proof  of  the  hasty  strides  you  have 
made  toward  perfection  in  your  art.  . . Your 
bas-relief  astonishes  all  the  artists  here  ; it  is 
more  pure,  and  in  a truer  antique  taste,  than  any 
of  their  performances,  though  they  have  so 
many  fine  models  before  them.” 

Wedgwood  was  also  devoting  himself  to  por- 


255 


Wedgiiiood  at  Work  Again 

traits  of  distinguished  men,  living  and  dead. 
One  of  his  best  was  his  cameo  medallion  of  Sir 
William  Hamilton.  It  was  crisp,  sharp,  and 
an  excellent  likeness.  His  portraits  of  the  De 
Witts,  Boerhaave,  and  De  Ruyter  were  greatly 
admired  by  the  Dutch.  Among  the  portraits 
which  he  executed  were  those  of  Dr.  Priestley, 
his  devoted  friend  ; of  Dr.  Darwin,  his  admirer 
and  phj^sician  ; of  Dr.  Johnson  (modelled  by 
Flaxman)  ; of  Admiral  Keppel,  an  immense 
favorite  ; of  Prince  William  Henry  (afterward 
William  IV.)  ; of  Dr.  Franklin,  the  American 
philosopher  ; and  of  John  Philip  Elers,  one  of 
Wedgwood’s  predecessors  in  the  manufacture 
of  Staffordshire  earthenware. 

“ We  propose,”  Wedgwood  wrote  to  Bentley, 
“ to  have  more  portraits  prepared  for  sale  abroad, 
such  as  Voltaire,  Rousseau,  Linnseus,  the  King 
of  Prussia,  and  the  Hereditary  Prince.  The 
Italian  poets  by  Flaxman  may,  perhaps,  by  un- 
dressing them,  and  putting  their  hair  in  order, 
be  made  fashionable.  Among  others  in  prepa- 
ration are  Peter  the  Great,  Lord  Bacon,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Wedgwood  ; Mr,  Stubbs,  the  modeller  of 
the  tablets  ; Edward  Bourne,  my  old  bricklayer, 
a study.” 

Wedgwood  was  also  paying  great  attention 
to  ornamental  chimney-pieces,  which  were  more 
eagerly  bought  up  in  Ireland  than  in  England, 
He  introduced  his  best  compositions  into  those 
ornaments,  which  were  truly  works  of  art.  His 


256 


Josiah  Weclgioood 


bas-relief  medallions,  from  four  to  six  inches  in 
height,  were  of  the  highest  class  of  workman- 
ship ; they  were  simply  beautiful.  His  life-size 
busts  of  distinguished  men  were  admirable,  and 
in  great  demand. 

Wedgwood  wrote  to  Bentley  in  August,  1778, 
and  informed  him  what  he  was  making  for  next 
j^ear’s  exhibition.  There  are  Dancing  Hours 
for  tablets  or  friezes ; Etruscan  vases  with 
Apotheosis  of  Homer  ; Choice  of  Hercules,  in 
' different  sizes  ; Triumph  of  Bacchus,  of  the 
largest  size,  with  attending  fawns  ; the  Sacri- 
lice  to  Flora,  new  and  large  ; the  Sacrifice  to 
Bacchus,  ncAV  and  very  large  ; and  the  Triumph 
of  Ariadne,  which  was  then  in  hand,  together 
with  other  new  works. 

“We  cannot,”  he  added,  “master  Achilles. 
I liave  had  him  demolished  more  than  once,  but 
he  still  rises  again,  the  same  heavy,  unmeaning 
figure,  and  I rather  think  we  shall  be  obliged  to 
drop  him,  but  not  without  another  trial  when 
opportunity  occurs.  We  are  under  the  same 
difficulty  in  attaining  the  character  of  the  genii 
of  Virgil  in  his  bust,  which  is  now  modelling. 
...  It  has  been  twice  finished  to  moulding, 
but  not  satisfactorily.  I this  morning  [1st 
August,  1778]  resumed  my  old  employment, 
took  the  modelling  tools  into  my  OAvn  hands, 
and  made  one  side  of  the  head,  pretty  near  like 
the  genii,  and  I will  take  another  stroke  at  him 
this  afternoon.  I have  opened  his  mouth,  and 


Wedgwood  at  Worh  Agam  257 

I shall  send  him  to  you  singing  some  of  his  own 
divine  poems.”  It  may  be  added  that  the  head 
of  Virgil  was  satisfactorily  finished,  and  was 
regarded  as  one  of  Wedgwood’s  finest  works. 

In  the  summer  of  1779  Wedgwood  made  a 
friendly  visit  to  Sir  William  Hamilton  at  his 
property  at  Blithefield,  near  Lichfield.  His 
new  room,”  he  wrote  to  Bentley,  is  hung 
round  with  Correggios,  Raphaels,  Guerchinos, 
Bassanos,  and  the  works  of  many  superb  mas- 
ters. . . Among  other  great  works  of  art  Sir 
William  particularly  pointed  out  the  chimney- 
piece  to  my  attention,  assuring  me  at  the  same 
time  that  he  esteemed  it  the  best  piece  in  his 
room,  and  showed  it  as  such  to  ail  his  visitors. 
You  know  the  pieces — Homer  and  Hesiod  for 
the  tablet,  and  the  Muses  for  the  frieze.  The 
statuarist  has  done  them  justice,  and  they  look 
charmingly,  and  do  more  than  support  them- 
selves in  the  very  fine  company  into  which  he 
has  introduced  them.  . . In  looking  at  the 
tablet  I lamented  a little  chip  off  the  edge, 
which  misfortune,  I suppose,  had  befallen  it  in 
the  hands  of  the  workman.  ‘We  esteem  it  a 
happy  accident,’ said  Sir  William;  ‘ it  shows  the 
merit,  the  fine  texture,  of  the  composition,  which 
might  otherwise  have  passed  for  a painted 
surface.’  My  visit  was  a most  happy  one.” 

Bentley,  in  a friendly  way,  complained  of  the 
length  of  Wedgwood’s  letters.  They  were  so 
elaborate  that  he  proposed  to  send  him  a con- 


258 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


(.leasing  engine.  Kot  less  astonished  was  Mrs. 
Wedgwood  with  the  enormous  increase  of  liis 
library.  “ My  wife  tells  me  I must  buy  no 
more  books  until  I build  another  house.  She 
also  advises  me  to  read  some  of  those  I alread}^ 
have  before  I buy  more,”  an  advice  that  would 
suit  many  other  librarians  besides  the  great 
potter. 

Toward  the  end  of  1779  Wedgwood  went  to 
Bolton  to  bring  back  one  of  his  bo^^s,  whom  he 
had  sent  to  school  again.  He  found  the  cotton 
districts  in  a state  of  turmoil.  The  workmen 
had  struck  and  were  going  about  breaking 
steam-engines  and  machinery.  At  a mill  near 
Chowbent  the  mob  was  fired  upon,  and  several 
were  killed,  but  without  much  effect.  A mob 
collected  again,  broke  into  a mill,  and  destro3^ed 
over  ten  thousand  pounds’  wortli  of  property. 
Tliere  was  war  abroad  and  war  at  home.  Wedg- 
wood considered  the  war  with  America  disgust- 
ing. He  was  in  great  fear  about  the  invasion 
of  England  by  the  French.  “The  docks  and 
magazines  at  Plymouth  might  be  destroyed. 
We  are  defenceless,”  he  said.  “It  is  all  the 
fault  of  the  Ministry  : they  are  our  worst 
enemies.” 

Nevertheless  he  stuck  to  business.  At  the 
end  of  1779  he  undertook  the  manufacture  of 
earthen  water-pipes,  “ first  for  London,  and 
then  for  all  the  world.  We  will  finish  the  bar- 
gain,” he  wrote  to  Bentley,  “ over  our  next  pipe. 


Wedgicood  at  Work  Again  259 

Fifteen  dozen  brown  ink-pots  were  packed  for 
you  yesterday.”  Wedgwood  was  now  engaged 
in  superior  work.  He  was  making  gems  and 
cameos  for  rings,  bracelets,  and  tablets.  They 
were  greatly  superior  to  every  thing  of  the  kind 
before  made.  Indeed,  no  one  had  heretofore 
attempted  to  compete  with  him.  To  Bentley 
he  said  : “ They  appear  so  distinct  and  so  pleas- 
ant to  look  at,  with  their  colored  grounds.  The 
whole  assemblage  of  white,  blue,  gold,  and  black 
have  a striking  effect.  . . They  are  really  a 
most  liberal  and  noble  collection  of  objects, 
very  rare  and  most  difficult  to  come  at.  Tlie 
white  Muses  seem  to  me  even  finer  things  than 
those  with  blue  grounds.” 

A few  days  later  Wedgwood  said  : ‘‘I  am 
in  a course  of  experiments  for  colored  grounds 
for  the  white  figures  which  shall  take  a polish 
and  be  like  some  fine  natural  stone.  The 
blood-stone,  if  it  can  be  accomplished,  will  be 
admirable  for  the  purpose.” 

In  the  same  year  Wedgwood  began  to  make 
china  or  porcelain,  having  by  this  time  secured 
a sufficient  supply  of  kaolin  from  Cornwall. 
This  was  another  step  in  his  great  enterprise. 
His  traveller  (Byerley)  writes  to  his  employer  : 
‘‘  I have  sold  all  your  Garricks  and  Shaksperes, 
framed  in  black,  at  York.  I could  sell  thou- 
sands of  Ke[)pels  at  any  price.  Oh  ! Keppel, 
Keppel ! Why  will  you  not  send  me  Keppels? 
Next  month  ? ” 


2G0 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


AVedo-wood’s  sons  were  now  attending  the 
lectures  of  Mr.  Walton  on  chemistry.  Dr. 
Priestley’s  last  discovery  was  described  as  not 
only  quite  new,  but  exceedingly  interesting. 
Walton  described  the  doctor  as  ‘Mhe  Newton 
of  the  age.”  Wedgwood  made  haste  to  have 
the  model  of  Priestley’s  portrait  finished,  so  as 
to  supply  the  general  demand.  No  doubt  these 
studies  of  the  young  Wedgwoods  ended  in  the 
discovery  of  pliotograpliy,  principally  by 
Thomas  Wedgwood. 

Wedgwood  enters  in  his  diaiy  : “Much 
trouble,  yet  many  blessings.”  One  of  the 
g]-eatest  of  these  troubles  was  the  death  of  his 
dear  friend  Bentley,  who  had  long  been  ailing, 
but  no  one  thought  of  his  illness  as  fatal.  He 
was  only  forty-nine,  comparatively  a young,  or 
at  least  a middle-aged,  man.  AYedgwood  was 
constantly  telling  him,  when  he  felt  unwell,  to 
take  a ramble  somewhere.  On  the  30th  of  June, 
1780, — the  year  of  his  death, — AVedgwood  wrote 
to  him  : “ Come  to  Etruria.  I will  willingly 
go  with  you  to  Buxton,  Matlock,  or  any  other 
place.  . . I have  blamed  myself  for  not  going 
oftener  to  Buxton.  The  air  of  that  calcareous 
country  is  always  grateful  to  my  animal  frame. 
The  ride  does  me  a great  deal  of  good,  and 
I generally  excite  some  attention  after  my  pots 
and  pipkins,  and  draw  some  of  the  company 
after  me  to  Etruria.” 

Bentley,  however,  did  not  go  to  Buxton,  but 


Death  of  Bentley 


261 


to  Margate,  for  the  benefit  of  the  sea  air. 
While  there  Wedgwood  requested  him  to  col- 
lect some  shells  for  him,  as  he  had  begun  the 
study  of  conchology.  Bentley  sent  him  many 
select  shells,  which  Wedgwood  copied  on  the 
ware  which  he  afterward  made.  Bentley 
afterward  went  to  Etruria  with  his  wife,  and 
spent  a few  pleasant  weeks  there,  but  derived 
no  permanent  benefit,  for  on  his  return  to 
London  he  became  worse  than  usual.  Wedg- 
wood had  no  idea  that  his  partner  was  so  ill, 
and  continued  his  correspondence  to  the  end. 
But  to  his  last  letter  there  was  no  reply. 
Bentley  died  on  the  26th  ISTovember,  1780,  at 
the  age  of  forty-nine. 

There  were  universal  lamentations  at  his 
death.  Mr.  Griffiths  wrote  to  Wedgwood  : 

“ Turnham  Gree^^,  25th  November. 

Mt  Dear  Sir  : Our  poor  friend  yet 
breathes,  but,  alas  ! it  is  such  breathing  as 
promises  but  a short  continuance.  Almost 
every  hope  seems  to  have  forsaken  us  ! I 
dread  the  thought  of  what  will  be  the  contents 
of  my  next  ! Adieu  ! ‘‘  R.  G.” 

There  is  no  record  of  the  disease  of  which 
Bentley  died.  It  may  have  been  of  apoplexy, 
as  he  often  complained  of  his  head.  Wedg- 
wood was  on  his  way  to  Turnliam  Green  when 
he  heard  of  his  friend’s  fatal  illness.  Bentley 


2G2 


Josiah  Wedr/icood 


was  buried  in  a vault  within  Cliiswick  Cliurch. 
Many  friends  gathered  together  at  his  funeral. 
They  deplored  the  sudden  death  of  one  who 
was  so  bright,  so  gifted,  and  so  intelligent. 
Wedgwood,  who  was  almost  overwhelmed  by 
his  loss,  had  a tablet  erected  over  his  remains 
by  Scheemaker,  the  sculptor. 

Sam  Boardman,  his  partner  at  Liverpool, 
wrote  : 

“31st  December,  1780. 

“ It  would  be  hard  to  submit  to  this  fate  of 
Providence  were  we  not  convinced  that  some 
wise  end  is  answered  by  every  event  in  life, 
and  that  our  esteemed  friend  has,  for  the  short 
time  he  was  among  us,  spent  a liappy  and  use- 
ful life.  lie  has  left  us  a noble  example  of 
virtue  and  goodness,  which  I hope  will  not  be 
forgotten  in  our  actions,  both  in  public  and 
private  life.” 

“Athenian  ” Stuart  composed  a record  of  his 
life.  The  last  words  were  these  : “His  ex- 
tensive abilities,  guided  by  the  most  expanded 
philanthropy,  were  employed  in  forming  and 
executing  plans  for  the  public  good.  He 
thought  with  the  freedom  of  a philosopher,  he 
acted  with  the  integrity  of  a virtuous  citizen.” 

Chiswick  Church  has  been  recently  rebuilt, 
but  the  monument,  with  its  inscription  to 
Bentley,  is  still  to  be  seen  over  the  south  door 
of  the  interior  of  the  church. 


Death  of  Bentley 


263 


Immediatel}^  after  the  death  of  Bentley  the 
London  stock,  so  far  as  related  to  the  partner- 
ship of  Wedgwood  & Bentley,  was  sold  at 
Christie’s,  the  sale  occupying  twelve  days. 
The  Sacrifice  to  Hjmien,”  made  in  178V  after 
the  design  of  Flaxman,  sold  for  £415.  At  the 
sale  of  Dr.  Sitson’s  collection,  eight  years  later, 
the  large  “ Apotheosis  of  Homer,”  designed 
also  by  Flaxman,  sold  for  the  enormous  sum  of 
£735  ! It  has  now  passed  into  the  collection  of 
Lord  Tweedmouth.  Wedgwood’s  statement 
proved  true  : that  his  .ornamental  works  only 
wanted  time  and  scarcity  to  make  them  worth 
any  thing. 


CHAPTER  XIX 


Wedgwood’s  pyrometer  or  thermometer 

Ever  since  Wedgwood  had  began  tlie  manu- 
facture of  earthenware  his  attention  liad  been 
attracted  to  the  heat  of  his  kilns.  He  pulled 
down  one  after  another  in  order  to  find  the 
furnace  that  would  bake  his  earthenware  and 
melt  his  glazes.  This  cost  him  a great  deal  of 
money,  but  he  conquered  the  difficulty  by  his 
usual  perseverance. 

He  experimented  constantly  in  the  endeavor 
to  find  the  necessary  gradations  of  heat  up  to 
the  very  higliest  point  ; and  this  led  him  to  the 
invention  of  his  pyrometer — that  is,  a macljine 
for  measuring  temperature  by  the  expansion  of 
solid  bodies  by  heat.  He  began  from  the  com- 
mencement of  redness  up  to  the  highest  tem- 
perature that  can  be  produced  in  the  furnaces  of 
the  chemist.  The  celebrated  Bergmann,  in  his 
Sciagraphia,”  reckoned  the  heat  at  which  silver 
melts  to  be  less  than  that  which  makes  iron  red 
hot.  This,  however,  was  afterwards  found  to  be 
a mistake. 

Muschenbrock,  Desaguliers,  Ellicot,  and 
Sineaton,  the  engineer,  made  experiments  with 


'Wedgwood'' s Pyrometer  or  Thermometer  265 

the  pyrometer,  but  they  never  reached  so  intense 
a degree  of  heat  as  that  attained  by  Wedg- 
wood. The  advantages  of  an  accurate  measure 
of  the  heats  of  metals,  furnaces,  and  other 
objects  are  obvious  to  every  one  concerned  in 
operations  by  hre,  and  Wedgwood’s  invention 
for  supplying  this  grand  desideratum  was  as 
simple  as  it  was  ingenious. 

All  clays  are  contracted,  or  have  their  bulk 
diminished,  by  fire,  more  and  more  in  proportion 
to  the  intensity  of  the  heat;  e.g.^  little  masses 
of  the  same  clay  are  adjusted  to  enter  the 
wider  end  of  a graduated  canal  ; so  that,  af- 
ter passing  through  fire,  they  will  go  further 
into  the  canal,  the  point  at  which  they  stop 
showing  their  quantity  of  diminution.  This 
point  is  numbered,  and  exhibits  the  heat  which 
the  clay  has  undergone.  This  instrument 
Wedgwood  first  called  a Pyrometer,  or  heat- 
measurer;  but  that  name  having  previously 
been  appropriated  to  a machine  of  a different 
kind,  for  measuring  the  expansion  of  bodies, 
he  thought  it  better  to  retain  the  name  of 
“ Thermometer,”  or  the  measurement  of  the  ex- 
pansion of  mercury  compared  with  the  lower 
degrees  of  heat.* 

Wedgwood  sent  his  first  paper  to  the  Royal 
Society  on  the  9th  of  May,  1782.  Ilis  paper 

* Wedgwood  explained  his  views  to  the  Royal  Society 
(“Philosophical  Transactions,”  vol.  Ixxii.,  and  after- 
ward in  vols.  Ixxiv.  and  Ixxvi.). 

12 


266 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


was  entitled  ‘‘  An  Attempt  to  make  a Ther- 
mometer for  Measuring  the  Higher  Degrees  of 
Heat,  from  a Red  Heat  up  to  the  Strongest 
that  Vessels  of  Clay  can  Support.”  A few 
months  after  his  paper  had  been  read  at  the 
Royal  Society  Mr.  William  Playfair,  an  Edin- 
burgh professor,  wrote  to  Mr.  Wedgwood  the 
following  letter  : 

O 


“London,  12th  September,  1782. 

“ Sir  : I had  the  pleasure  of  being  present  at 
the  reading  of  your  very  ingenious  paper  on 
your  newly  invented  thermometer  before  the 
Royal  Society  last  spring,  and  of  joining  in  the 
general  satisfaction  that  such  an  acquisition  to 
art  gave  all  present.  I have  never  conversed 
with  any  body  on  the  subject  who  did  not 
admire  your  thermometer,  and  considered  it  as 
being  as  perfect  as  the  nature  of  things  will 
admit  of  for  great  heat  ; but  I have  joined  with 
several  in  wishing  that  the  scale  of  your  ther- 
mometer were  compared  with  that  of  Fahren- 
heit’s (so  universally  used  for  small  degrees  of 
heat),  that  without  learning  a new  signification, 
or  affixing  a new  idea,  to  the  term  degree  of 
heat,  we  might  avail  ourselves  of  your  useful 
invention.  The  method  proposed  in  the  en- 
closed paper  occurred  to  me  as  one  applicable 
to  this  purpose,  and  I lay  it  before  3^011  with 
all  deference  to  your  better  judgment  of  the 
subject.  I should  be  glad  to  know  where  I 


Wedgwood' 8 Pyrometer  or  Thermometer  267 

could  purchase  some  of  your  thermometers,  as 
I can  get  none  here  in  town. 

I am,  sir,  with  much  regard, 

“Your  most  humble  servant, 

“ William  Playfair.” 

Wedgwood  followed  Mr.  Playfair’s  advice. 
In  his  next  papers,  sent  to  the  Royal  Society, 
he  gave  a reduction  of  the  degrees  of  his  ther- 
mometer to  Fahrenheit’s  scale,  from  which  it  ap- 
peared that  the  greatest  heat  he  could  generate  in 
a small  furnace  coincided  with  many  thousands 
of  degrees  of  Fahrenheit— the  scale  of  heat  which 
was  registered  by  his  thermometer  being  about 
thirty-four  times  as  extensive  as  that  to  which 
the  common  thermometers  could  be  applied. 

In  another  paper  (“  Phil.  Trans,,”  Ixxvi.)  he 
described  the  manner  of  forming  the  clay 
pieces  and  of  adjusting  the  quality  of  the  clay 
itself,  with  the  divisions  of  the  measuring 
gauge  or  scale,  so  that  the  same  circumstances 
might  constantly  give  the  same  results.  The 
clay  he  had  employed  at  first  was  the  small 
remainder  of  a parcel  from  Cornwall,  which 
was  soon  exhausted.  Fresh  parcels,  even  from 
the  same  pit,  differed  considerably  in  the  degree 
of  their  diminution  by  fire.  He  therefore  found 
it  necessary  to  add  to  the  best  clays  he  could 
procure  a large  proportion  of  alum  earth,  in  the 
gelatinous  state  in  which  it  was  precipitated  by 
alkalies  from  the  solution  of  alum,  and  well 


268 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


washed  by  boiling  water.  By  these  and  otlier 
experiments  Wedgwood  was  at  length  enabled 
to  bring  his  clay  to  the  proper  degree  of  com- 
pression, so  as  to  be  duly  measured  by  his  heat 
gauge. 

Wedgwood  had  much  correspondence  with 
Sir  Joseph  Banks,  president  of  the  Royal 
Society.  Many  of  Sir  Joseph’s  early  letters 
consisted  of  introductions  of  distinguished 
foreigners  to  Wedgwood,  whose  works  at 
Etruria  were  considered  one  of  the  sliows  of 
the  kingdom.  One  of  tlie  most  interesting  was 
the  letter  to  Wedgwood  announcing  that  he 
had  been  elected  a Fellow  of  the  Royal  Society 
on  the  16th  of  January,  1783.  In  a later  letter 
Sir  Joseph  requested  Wedgwood  to  select  some 
person  skilled  in  the  mystery  of  potteries,  to 
accompany  Lord  Macartney  to  the  Emperor  of 
China,  and  to  acquaint  himself  with  any  mode 
of  manufacture  used  by  the  Chinese  of  which 
the  artists  of  this  country  were  as  yet  ignorant. 
“ To  you,  sir,”  he  added,  ‘‘  who  have  always 
practised  pottery  as  a science  instead  of  an  art, 
we  naturally  look  up  for  advice  where  to  meet 
with  such  a person.” 

Sir  Joseph’s  letter  of  the  6th  of  A23fil,  1784, 
relates  to  Wedgwood’s  thermometer,  and  other 
affairs  : 

“ Dear  Sir  : Your  paper  proposing  a mode  of 
connecting  the  scale  of  your  thermometer  with 


Wedgwood'* s Pyrometer  or  Thermometer  269 

Fahrenheit’s  I have  received  and  read  with  care. 
Tlie  whole  meets  with  my  entire  approbation, 
and  I shall  take  the  first  opportunity  in  my 
power  to  read  it  to  the  Royal  Society.  One 
thing,  however,  I must  remark,  which  is  that 
you  seem  not  to  have  heard  of  the  experiments 
made  last  winter  at  Hudson’s  Bay,  by  which 
the  point  at  which  mercury  congeals  into  a 
malleable  metal  is  fixed  to  be  40°  below  zero  on 
Fahrenheit’s  thermometer.  All  points  of  cold, 
therefore,  below  that  which  have  been  observed 
by  a mercurial  thermometer  must  be  set  aside. 
It  is  a matter  of  no  consequence  to  you,  only 
will  cause  a trifling  alteration  in  the  notes  on 
the  scale  of  your  thermometer. 

‘‘You  are,  believe  me,  good  sir,  much  wanted 
here.  We  attend  the  club  [Athenian*]  with 
tolerable  regularity.  Hodgson  makes  punch 
and  talks  politics ; Griffiths  drinks  it  and 
makes  jokes  ; but  we  all  look  out  for  your 
assistance. 

“We  have  had  a series  of  disputes  at  the 
Royal  Society  which  have  employed  us  fully 
from  Christmas  to  Easter.  Now,  however,  the 
disaffected,  at  least  the  active  ones,  who  were 
at  first  forty-seven,  are  reduced  to  two.  I think 
we  have  a fair  prospect  of  peace  returning, 
which,  too,  is  likely  to  be  permanent. 

“We  have  no  signs  of  spring  here — not  a 

*Of  which  Mr.  Wedgwood  was  the  father,  or  oldest 
member. 


270 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


shade  of  green  on  a hedge  or  a gooseberry 
bush  nnfolded.  This  day,  however,  cloudy  and 
rainy,  with  wind  ; nevertheless,  the  thermometer 
rises — a good  symptom. 

“Yours  faithfully, 

“Jos.  Banks.” 

In  a letter  to  Dr.  Priestley,  then  at  Paris, 
Wedgwood  says  (2d  September,  1791)  : “ M. 
Lavoisier  has  sent  for  two  of  my  thermome- 
ters, which  I have  accordingly  forwarded 
to  him.  M.  Seguin  says  : ‘We  find  this  instru- 
ment of  the  greatest  use,  and  at  this  moment 
we  feel  more  than  ever  its  indispensability,  be- 
cause we  are  employing  ourselves  (M.  Lavoisier 
and  I)  in  completing  the  theory  of  furnaces  of 
fusion,  but  we  are  still  in  need  of  some  instruc- 
tions, which  we  pray  you  to  be  pleased  to  give 
us.’” 

Wedgwood’s  papers  to  the  Royal  Society 
were  translated  into  French,  Dutch,  and  other 
foreign  languages.  Indeed,  Wedgwood  had  as 
great  a scientific  and  artistic  reputation  abroad 
as  he  had  at  home.  In  Sweden  his  papers  were 
voluminously  reprinted.  The  Royal  Academy 
of  Sciences  at  Upsala  (the  Swedish  University 
near  Stockholm)  not  only  possesses  the  “ Trans- 
actions” of  Josiah  Wedgwood,  with  a copious 
table  of  contents,  in  five  volumes,  but  also 
his  “ Chemical  Collections,”  consisting  of  many 
valuable  articles  and  memoranda  on  assaying. 


Wedgwood'^s  Pyrometer  or  Thermometer  2 '71 

metallurgy,  dyeing,  painting  on  glass,  glazing 
for  porcelain  earths,  cements,  coloring  matter, 
furnaces,  and  so  on,  with  tables  of  specific 
gravities,  also  in  five  volumes.  Both  of  these 
series  (according  to  the  catalogue  in  the  British 
Museum)  have  been  translated  from  the  Swedish 
and  German,  with  some  pieces  from  original 
sources,  by  Dr.  W.  Lewis,  author  of  “Ex- 
perimental History  of  the  Materia  Medica.” 
These  documents  are  very  neatly  written, 
and  illustrated  with  drawings.  Ten  volumes, 
royal  8vo.* 

Considerable  progress  has  inevitably  been 
made  in  the  measuring  of  intense  heat.  A new 
method  was  invented  by  Mr.  Gurnej^  which  he 
employed  in  his  chemical  lectures,  for  ascertain- 
ing the  relative  expansibility  of  the  various 
metals  that  can  be  drawn  into  wire.  But  the 
most  important  improvement  in  the  pyrometer 
was  that  invented  by  Professor  Daniel!  in  1821, 
which  has,  for  the  most  part,  superseded  all 
others  ; though  Wedgwood’s  use  of  clay,  in  the 
form  of  porcelain,  is  still  used  in  his  invention. 
Mr.  Ericsson,  a great  inventor,  has  also  exerted 
his  genius  in  endeavoring  to  form  another 
description  of  pjwometer.  But  here  we  must 
leave  the  subject,  as  our  object  has  been  merely 

*The  Wedgwood  MSS.  collection  in  the  British 
Museum.  The  Press  marks  are  : 

Additional  MSS.  28,309-313. 

Do.  do.  28,314-318. 


212 


Josiah  Wedgxmood 


to  show  what  Wedgwood  did  in  advancing  the 
science  of  the  intensedieat-measurer. 

Wedgwood,  ever  inventing  and  ever  improv- 
ing, introduced  in  lYSS  a “jasper-dip,”  in 
which  the  clay  vessels  were  dipped  and  received 
a coating  of  jasper,  instead  of  being  formed  of 
that  body  throughout.  This  enabled  the  jasper- 
w’are  to  be  sold  at  a much  cheaper  rate,  3^et 
without  any  decrease  in  the  beauty  of  the  man- 
ufacture. Wedgwood’s  ordinary  trade  contin- 
ued to  increase.  He  sent  large  consignments 
of  goods  to  Russia  ; and,  notwithstanding  the 
almost  prohibitory  duties,  he  received  many 
orders  from  Germany,  Italy,  and  even  France. 
He  continued  to  add  ornamentation  to  utility. 
Even  in  his  chimne3^-pieces  he  introduced  some 
of  his  most  artistic  designs. 

Wedgwood  was  of  opinion  that  the  fireplace 
should  be  the  most  cheerful  part  of  the  house. 
There  the  family  assembled  and  indulged  in  their 
homely  talk.  Here  strangers  were  admitted 
and  joined  in  the  conversation.  Why  should 
not  the  chimney-piece,  to  which  they  all  gazed, 
be  made  bright,  cheerful,  and  represent  artistic 
objects  ? This  w%as  the  reason  why  he  devoted, 
so  much  attention  to  his  chimney-pieces,  and  in- 
vited Flaxman  to  assist  him  with  his  beautiful 
designs  of  cameos  and  bas-reliefs  from  the 
antique  as  well  as  from  his  own  imaginative 
liandicraft. 

Wedgwood  had  the  greatest  difficulty  in  re- 


'Wedgwood'‘8  Pyrometer  or  Thermometer  273 

taining  liis  best  workmen.  Foreigners  prowled 
about  his  works,  got  into  conversation  with  the 
men,  and  endeavored  to  bribe  them  to  take  ser- 
vice in  foreign  couritries.  Boulton  and  Watt 
of  Birmingham  were  also  besieged  by  the  same 
adventurers,  so  that  they  were  forced  to  close 
their  gates  against  all  piratical  foreign  work- 
men. 

A good  deal  of  lawlessness  prevailed  in  the 
manufacturing  districts  about  that  time.  The 
cotton-spinners  in  Lancashire  went  from  mill  to 
mill  to  break  down  the  machinery  by  which 
they  earned  their  living.  The  working-people 
thought  that  when  any  of  their  own  number 
founded  an  industry  and  made  it  profitable  it 
was  all  for  their  own  advantage,  and  tended  to 
the  misery  of  the  poor.  Their  capital  was  all 
stolen  from  the  work-people  ! Troops  were 
brought  out  to  put  an  end  to  the  cotton-spin- 
ners’ strike.  The  same  lawlessness  prevailed 
in  Staffordshire.  The  men  who  worked  at  the 
potteries  could  only  go  home  in  bands  to  pro- 
tect themselves  against  the  highwaymen  who 
paraded  the  roads.  Tlie  men  who  worked  at 
Etruria  dared  not  quit  the  works  singly  or  un- 
armed. The  police  were  set  upon  the  highway- 
men; some  of  whom  were  arrested,  committed, 
and  tried  at  Stafford,  but  the  depredations  con- 
tinued. A mob  seized  one  of  Wedgwood’s 
boats  filled  with  goods  for  Manchester  ; it  was 
rifled  of  its  contents,  which  were  sold  at  any 


274 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


prices  they  would  fetch.  We  find  among  the 
Wedgwood  papers  a letter  from  Ashton  Lever 
(27th  September,  1781)  as  to  the  fragments  of 
the  Holophuricon^  which  had  been  blown  to 
pieces  by  a wagon-load  of  gunpowder  at  Talk- 
o’-tli’-Hill. 

Wedgwood  was  under  the  impression  that 
his  works  were  threatened.  He  despatched 
messengers  to  Hewcastle-under-Lyme,  and  the 
result  was  that  a company  of  the  Welsh  Fusi- 
leers  and  a detachment  of  the  Staffordshire 
militia  arrived  at  Etruria.  Several  of  the  high- 
waymen were  seized  and  tried  ; one  of  them 
was  hanged,  and  the  turmoil  was  thus  jDut  an 
end  to.  Ho  doubt  great  distress  existed.  The 
war  with  America  was  on  foot,  and  every  thing 
was  thrown  into  confusion  at  home.  Factories 
were  closed,  and  many  men,  both  in  Lancashire 
and  the-  potteries,  were  thrown  out  of  work. 
Yet  Etruria  was  always  ready  to  give  employ- 
ment to  those  who  were  willing  to  give  their 
industry  for  good  wages. 

When  every  thing  had  in  a manner  settled 
down,  Wedgwood  published  a small  pamphlet 
on  the  folly  of  such  outbreaks  for  the  redress 
of  social  wrongs,  entitled  “An  Address  to  the 
Young  Inhabitants  of  the  Pottery,”  which  he 
distributed  among  his  workpeople.  In  the 
course  of  this  pamphlet  he  said : “ I would 
request  you  to  ask  your  parents  for  a descrip- 
tion of  the  country  we  inhabit  when  they  first 


Wedgwood"* s Pyrometer  or  Thermometer  275 

knew  it;  and  they  will  tell  you  that  the  inhabi- 
tants bore  all  the  signs  of  poverty  to  a much 
greater  degree  than  they  do  now.  Their  houses 
were  miserable  huts  ; the  lands  were  poorly  cul- 
tivated, and  yielded  little  of  value  for  the  food 
of  man  or  beast ; and  these  disadvantages,  with 
roads  almost  impassable,  might  be  said  to  have 
cut  olf  our  part  of  the  country  from  the  rest  of 
the  world,  besides  not  rendering  it  very  com- 
fortable  to  ourselves.  Compare  this  picture, 
which  I know  to  be  a true  one,  with  the  present 
state  of  the  same  country  : the  workmen  earn- 
ing nearly  double  their  former  wages,  their 
houses  mostly  new  and  comfortable,  and  the 
lands,  roads,  and  every  other  circumstance  bear- 
ing evident  marks  of  the  most  pleasing  and 
rapid  improvements.  . . Industry  has  been 
the  parent  of  this  happy  change.  A well-di- 
rected and  long-continued  series  of  industrious 
exertions,  both  in  masters  and  servants,  has  so 
changed  for  the  better  the  face  of  our  country, 
its  buildings,  lands,  roads  (he  might  have  added 
canals),  and,  notwithstanding  the  present  unfa- 
vorable appearances,  I must  say  the  manner  and 
deportment  of  its  inhabitants,  too,  have  been  such 
as  to  attract  the  notice  and  admiration  of  coun- 
tries which  had  scarcely  heard  of  us  before; 
and  how  far  these  improvements  may  still  be 
carried  on  by  the  same  laudable  means  which 
have  brought  us  thus  far,  has  been  one  of  the 
most  pleasing  contemplations  of  my  life.” 


276 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


Wedgwood  bad  still  another  pamphlet  to 
issue.  It  has  already  been  said  that  many 
efforts  were  made  by  foreigners  and  others  to 
induce  the  best  workmen  to  leave  their  employ- 
ment in  Staffordshire.  A Mr.  Bartlem  induced 
some  potters  to  follow  him  into  South  Carolina, 
but  the  result  was  veiy  unsuccessful.  Others 
went  to  Pennsylvania.  A few  went  to  France 
and  Germany,  but  they  did  not  succeed.  Wedg- 
wood proceeded  to  address  the  Staffordshire 
men  on  the  subject  of  entering  into  the  service 
of  foreign  manufacturers.  He  pleaded  with 
them  that  they  should  not  wantonly  throw  into 
the  hands  of  foreigners,  perhaps  of  enemies, 
the  superiority  the  potters  of  Staffordshire  had 
labored  for  and  achieved. 

A Chamber  of  Commerce  was  established  in 
1785  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  the  inter- 
ests of  British  manufacturers.  Wedgwood  and 
Boulton  were  the  leaders  of  this  movement. 
The  first  meeting  was  held  in  London  at  the 
close  of  the  year,  and  many  of  the  leading 
manufacturers  of  England  were  present.  Ire- 
land had  then  home  rule  ; but  the  Irish  Par- 
liament legislated  in  a hostile  spirit  toward 
English  commerce.  They  imposed  heavy  taxes 
upon  all  manufactures  imported  into  Ireland 
from  England  ; while  Irish  manufactures  were 
not  only  sent  into  England  duty  free,  but  their 
own  Parliament  encouraged  their  constituents 
by  giving  a bounty  upon  exportation. 


'Wedgwood'^s  Pyrometer  or  Thermometer  277 

The  Chamber  of  Commerce  expostulated 
against  the  partial  and  unjust  spirit  of  this  leg- 
islation, and  petitioned  the  British  Parliament 
for  free  interchange  on  equal  terms.  James 
Watt,  inventor  of  the  condensing  steam-engine, 
though  averse  to  taking  part  in  political  move- 
ments, now  came  forward  as  a pamphleteer. 
He  endeavored  to  show  that  the  true  way  of 
encouraging  manufacturers  in  Ireland  was,  not 
by  bounties,  nor  by  prohibitions,  but  by  an  en- 
tire freedom  of  industry  between  the  two  coun- 
tries. He  held  that  the  best  mode  of  giving 
the  Irish  manufacturers  vigor  was  by  having 
recourse  to  British  manufacturers  possessed  of 
capital,  industry,  and  knowledge  of  trade.  “It 
is  contemptible  nonsense,”  he  said,  “to  argue 
that  because  Ireland  has  never  had  manufac- 
tories; she  cannot  have  them  now.  One  hun- 
dred years  ago  the  Irish  had  no  linen  manufac- 
tories, they  imported  linen,  and  now  they  sell 
us  to  the  extent  of  a million  annually  ! How 
came  this  about  ? The  tyranny  of  the  Scotch 
Privy  Council  under  Charles  II.  chased  the 
people  out  of  Scotland  because  they  were  Pres- 
byterians. Ireland  received  and  protected  them; 
they  peopled  the  northern  provinces  ; many  of 
them  were  weavers  ; they  followed  their  busi- 
ness in  Ireland,  and  taught  others.  Philij)  II. 
chased  the  inhabitants  out  of  Flanders  on  ac- 
count of  religion.  Queen  Elizabeth  received 
and  protected  them.”  Then  came  the  large  im- 


278 


JosiaJi  Wedgiuood 


portation  of  the  Huguenots  tli rough  the  perse- 
cution of  Louis  XIV.,  and  large  manufac- 
tories were  established  both  in  England  and 
Ireland. 

Toward  the  end  of  his  statement  Watt 
asks:  “Would  it  not  be  more  manly  and 
proper  at  once  to  invite  the  Irish  to  come 
into  a perfect  union  with  Britain,  and  to  pay 
the  same  duties  and  excise  that  we  do  ? Then 
eveiy  distinction  of  country  might  with  jus- 
tice be  done  away  with,  and  they  would 
have  a fair  claim  to  all  the  advantages  which 
we  enjoy.” 

The  result  of  the  agitation  of  the  Chamber 
of  Commerce  was  that  most  of  the  proposals  to 
impose  new  taxes  on  the  raw  materials  of  man- 
ufacture were  withdrawn  by  the  Ministry,  and 
the  Irish  resolutions  were  considerably  modi- 
fied. The  delegates  separated,  with  the  reso- 
lution to  extend  and  maintain  their  organization 
in  the  manufacturing  districts. 

To  return  to  Wedgwmod’s  career.  His  for- 
eign trade  continued  to  increase,  especially 
after  the  commercial  treaty  with  France  had 
been  entered  into  in  September,  1786 — a few 
years  before  the  French  Revolution  took  place. 
Russia  was  one  of  his  best  customers  for  orna- 
mental wares  ; but  Holland,  Germany,  Italy, 
and  even  Spain,  were  alive  to  the  merits  of  his 
manufactures.  After  tlie  departure  of  Flaxman 
for  Rome  Wedgwood  had  several  excellent 


Wedgioood^s  Pyrometer  or  Thermonteter  279 

modellers.  Among  these  Webber  was  one  of 
the  best.  He  had  also  the  assistance  of  West- 
macott  and  Wyatt,  then  very  young  men. 
Lochee,  great  in  modelling  gems  and  small 
objects,  was  another  admirable  artist  employed 
by  Wedgwood. 

As  old  friends  passed  away  new  ones  made 
their  appearance.  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds  painted 
Wedgwood’s  portrait,  as  well  as  that  of  his 
wife,  in  1783  ; and  Wedgwood  produced  a 
medallion  of  the  artist,  modelled  by  Flaxman. 
After  the  death  of  Sir  Joshua,  a few  years  later, 
this  medallion  became  very  popular.  Romney 
was  another  of  Wedgwood’s  friends.  We  find 
him  thanking  the  potter  “ for  his  very  kind  and 
obliging  offer  to  let  him  have  any  of  his  elegant 
ware  to  sketch  from  when  Mr.  Romney  is  in 
want  of  ornaments.  I will  call  upon  you  on 
the  first  opportunity.” 

Lady  Templeton  must  have  been  a very  good 
friend  of  Wedgwood.  She  admired  his  works 
so  much  that  on  several  occasions  she  lent  him 
several  of  her  charming  groups  of  children, 
which  Wedgwood  copied  in  his  beautiful  jasper 
bas-reliefs.  The  first  was  sent  on  the  27th 
June,  1783,  and  the  second  some  months  later. 
The  bas-reliefs  on  this  occasion  ivcre  used  on 
the  queen’s  opera-glass.  They  were  made  by 
Wedgwood  after  the  designs  of  Lady  Temple- 
ton. One  represented  Sterne’s  Maria,  the  other 
a Bourbonnais  shepherdess.  Another  of  her 


280 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


examples  was  a ring  of  great  beauty — the  sub- 
ject Jupiter.  Had  Lady  Templeton  been  a 
poorer  woman  she  might  have  made  a fortune 
by  her  wonderful  gifts. 

Wedgwood  Avas  also  a friend,  as  well  as  a 
good  customer,  of  Wright  of  Derby.  We  find 
him  in  1784  receiving  from  Wright  a picture 
of  the  Maid  of  Corinth,  as  well  as  a portrait  of 
Erasmus  DarAvin.  Wright  had  before  spoken 
of  it  as  a SAveet  subject,”  and  it  Avas  painted 
to  Wedgwood’s  satisfaction.  He  had  before 
sent  a sketch  of  Penelope  and  several  other 
Avorks.  Hoppner  must  also  have  been  a friend, 
because  Ave  find  him  in  January,  1785,  Avhen  he 
Avas  a young  man  struggling  for  a position  as 
a portrait-painter,  requesting  a loan  of  thirty 
pounds  from  Wedgwood  ; which  the  potter, 
Avith  his  generous  disposition,  immediately  sent 
him.  Hoppner  at  length  struggled  up  the  hill 
of  difficulty,  and  Avas  made  a Royal  Academi- 
cian in  1795. 

Among  WedgAVOod’s  other  correspondents 
about  1785  Avere  Mr.  Pitt,  at  DoAvning  Street 
(making  an  appointment),  Mr.  Wilberforce, 
Mr.  Sheridan,  John  Hunter,  Granville  Sharp, 
Sir  Richard  ArkAvright,  and  Thomas  Day  ; but 
their  letters  convey  no  special  information. 
Before  we  conclude  this  chapter  we  may 
append  the  copy  of  a letter  from  Benjamin 
Franklin  to  Wedgwood  in  acknoAvledging  one 
of  his  valuable  presents  : 


Wedgioood^s  Pyrometer  or  Thermometer  281 

“Philadelphia,  15tli  May,  1787. 

“ SiK  : I received  the  letter  you  did  me  tlie 
honor  of  writing  to  me  on  the  29th  of  February 
past,  with  your  valuable  present  of  cameos, 
which  I am  distributing  among  my  friends  ; 
in  whose  countenances  I have  seen  such  marks 
of  being  affected  by  contemplating  the  figure 
of  the  Suppliant  (which  is  admirably  executed)* 
that  I am  persuaded  it  may  have  an  effect 
equal  to  that  of  the  best  written  pamphlet  in 
procuring  favor  to  these  oppressed  people. 
Please  to  accept  my  hearty  thanks,  and  believe 
me  to  be,  with  great  esteem, 

“ Sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

“ B.  Fkanklin.” 

♦ The  Suppliant,  “ Am  I not  a man  and  a brother  ? ” 
was  designed  by  that  admirable  artist  Hackwood  for 
the  benefit  of  the  Society  for  the  Abolition  of  Slavery. 


CHAPTER  XX 

THE  BARBEEINI  OE  POETLAND  VASE 

The  Barberini  or  Portland  vase,  now  in  the 
British  Museum,  is  perhaps  tlie  finest  work  of 
the  kind  made  by  the  ancient  Greeks.  It  was 
found  deposited  in  a marble  urn  within  a sepul- 
chral monument,  under  the  Monte  del  Grano, 
two  and  a half  miles  from  Rome  on  the  road  to 
Frascati.  From  thence  it  came  into  the  pos- 
session of  the  Barberini  family  ; and  when  they 
desired  in  1/70  to  raise  money  by  the  sale  of 
their  works  of  art,  it  was  purchased  by  the 
antiquary  Byres,  and  afterward  sold  by  him  to 
Sir  William  Hamilton. 

Hamilton,  in  writing  to  W eclgwood  about 
the  purchase  of  the  vase,  said  : “ The  person  I 
bought  it  of  at  Rome  will  do  me  the  justice 
to  say  that  the  superior  excellence  of  this  mas- 
terpiece of  ancient  art  struck  me  so  much  at 
first  sight  that  I eagerly  asked:  ‘Is  this 
yours?  Will  you  sell  it?’  He  answered: 
‘Yes,  but  never  under  one  thousand  pounds.’ 
‘ I will  give  you  one  thousand  pounds,’  and  so 
I did,  though  God  knows  it  was  not  very  con- 


The  Barber  ini  or  Portland  Vase  283 


venient  for  me,  and  the  business  was  concluded 
in  a moment. 

‘‘Except  the  Apollo-Belvedere,  the  Niobe, 
and  two  or  three  others  of  the  first-class  mar- 
bles, I do  not  believe  that  there  are  any  monu- 
ments of  antiquity  existing  that  were  executed 
by  so  great  an  artist  ; and  I have  no  doubt  of 
this  being  a work  of  the  time  of  Alexander  the 
Great,  and  was  probably  brought  out  of  Asia 
by  Alexander  Severus,  whose  ashes  were  depos- 
ited therein  after  his  death.” 

We  find  from  the  “Memoirs  of  Captain 
Rapin,”  a gallant  Huguenot,  who  fought  at 
the  Boyne,  Athlone,  and  the  two  sieges  of 
Limerick,  that  he  was  recalled  to  London  for 
the  purpose  of  being  appointed  governor  and 
tutor  to  Lord  Woodstock,  son  of  Bentinck, 
Earl  of  Portland.  The  two,  tutor  and  pupil, 
travelled  through  Holland,  Germany,  France, 
Spain,  and  Italy.  It  was  while  in  Italy  that 
the  Earl  of  Portland  requested  Hapin  to 
have  copies  made  for  him  of  the  rarest  med- 
als in  point  of  historic  interest  ; and  also  to 
purchase  for  him  objects  of  ancient  workman- 
ship. It  was  in  this  way  that  Rapin  per- 
suaded the  earl  to  purchase  from  Sir  William 
Hamilton  the  Barberini,  now  called  the  Port- 
land, vase,  and  thus  to  secure  for  England  one 
of  the  most  exquisite  specimens  of  Grecian 
ceramic  art.  On  resigning  his  office  as  tutor 
to  Lord  W oodstock  Rapin  retired  to  Wesel, 


284 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


on  tlie  Lower  Rhine,  where  he  wrote  his  ‘‘  His- 
tory of  England,”  which  was  afterward  trans- 
lated. by  Mr.  N.  Tindal,  and  achieved  a great 
reputation.* 

This  world-renowned  Barberini  vase  was  the 
identical  urn  in  which  the  ashes  of  the  Roman 
Emperor  Alexander  Severus  and  his  mother, 
Julia  Mammoea,  were  deposited.  It  was  placed 
under  the  monument  on  Monte  del  Grano  about 
235  years  after  Christ,  and  it  was  dug  up  by 
order  of  Pope  Barberini,  or  Urban  VIIL,  be- 
tween the  years  1623  and  1644.  The  materials  of 
which  the  vase  is  composed  resemble  an  agate, 
some  say  an  onyx.  The  ground  of  the  vase  is 
of  a rich  transparent,  dark  amethystine  color, 
and  the  bas-relief  white  figures  which  adorn  it 
are  of  the  most  exquisite  workmanship.  The 
vase  is  9f  inches  high,  inches  in  diameter, 
and  2 If  inches  in  circumference,  and  has  two 
handles. 

Tlie  probability  is  that  the  artistic  manu- 
facture of  the  vase  was  much  more  ancient 
than  the  date  of  its  interment  at  Monte  del 
Grano.  The  Emperor  Alexander  Severus  was 
an  enthusiastic  collector  of  the  finest  specimens 
of  ancient  Greek  art,  and  he  desired  that  at 
the  time  of  his  death  his  ashes  should  be  de- 

* Raoul  de  Cazenove  published  a handsome  volume 
ended  “ Rapin-Tlioyras,  sa  Famille,  sa  Vie,  et  ses 
OEuvres,”  which  contains  the  fullest  information  as  to 
the  Huguenot  hero. 


The  Barberini  or  Portland  Yase  285 

posited  in  one  of  the  finest  of  the  Greek  urns. 
The  figures  engraved  in  bas-relief  on  the  urn 
in  question  have  no  reference  to  the  life  or 
deeds  of  the  emperor. 

There  is  Leda  with  the  swan,  before  her  Ju- 
piter, a Cupid  holding  a bow,  and  on  the  out- 
side of  the  bottom  of  the  vase  is  a man  (sup- 
posed to  be  Paris)  with  a Phrygian  bonnet.  This 
seems  to  have  no  connection  with  the  emperor’s 
history,  or  of  his  mother,  Mammoea.  Some 
think  it  is  a satire  upon  the  vices  of  Heliogab- 
alus ; others  consider  it  a eulogium  on  the 
virtues  of  his  immediate  successor,  Alexander 
Severus.  But  the  whole  subject  is  involved  in 
mystery. 

M.  Harriet  supposed  that  the  cameos  were 
porcelain,  applied  as  a paste  and  burned  to  due 
hardness  ; and  that  with  more  heat  it  would 
become  glossy  like  the  Dresden  porcelain.  . . 
Applied  to  the  glass  when  it  came  out  of  the 
mould,  then  passed  with  the  glass  vessel  into 
the  fire,  after  which  the  cameos  would  be  amal- 
gamated or  soldered  on.  The  glass  foot  is 
thought  to  have  been  cemented  on  after  the 
bones  or  ashes  had  been  placed  in  the  urn. 

The  vase  was  bought  by  Sir  William  Hamil- 
ton from  Byres,  the  antiquary,  for  £1000, 
and  was  afterward  sold  by  him  to  the  Duchess 
of  Portland  (the  earl  having  died)  for  1800 
guineas,  so  that  Sir  William  must  have  realized 
a considerable  profit  by  his  purchase.  At  the 


286 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


sale  of  her  Grace’s  property  after  her  decease 
in  1786  the  vase  Avas  bought  in  by  the  Port- 
land family  for  £1029.  ' 

When  Wedgwood  heard  that  this  splendid 
example  of  Grecian  or  Etruscan  art  was  to  be 
sold,  he  determined  to  possess  the  ancient  gem. 
The  young  Duke  of  Portland  also  desired  to 
retain  its  possession.  It  was  put  up  for  sale  at 
the  rooms  of  Skinner  & Company.  The  bid- 
ding went  on  Avith  spirit.  Wedgwood  bid  to 
upward  of  a thousand  pounds.  Then  the  duke 
overbid  him.  At  last  the  duke,  seeing  that 
there  Avere  only  tAvo  bidders,  stepped  across 
the  room  and  asked  WedgAVOod  what  Avas  his 
object  in  endeavoring  to  possess  the  vase.  “ I 
Avish  to  copy  it,”  answered  Wedgwood. 
“ Then,  if  you  will  give  over  bidding,”  said 
the  duke,  I Avill  let  you  have  the  vase  as  long 
as  you  like,  that  you  may  effect  your  object.” 
This  proposal  Avas  as  frankly  accepted  as  it 
Avas  frankly  offered.  The  duke  became  the 
purchaser  of  the  vase  for  £1029,  and  Wedg- 
Avood  took  Avith  him  to  Etruria  the  priceless 
gem. 

Then  came  the  serious  difficulty  of  copying 
the  Portland  vase.  He  studied  the  Avork  with 
minute  attention.  He  came  to  the  conclusion 
that  the  figures  on  the  vase  could  not  have  been 
moulded  separately  and  applied  aftei’Avard  upon 
the  body,  but  that  the  body,  Avhich  is  a deep- 
blue  glass,  had  been  coated  over,  in  part  at 


The  Barber  mi  or  Portland  Vase  287 

least,  while  red  hot,  with  a semi-transparent 
white  enamel,  and  the  figures  formed  by  cut- 
ting througli  the  coat  down  to  the  blue  ground 
in  the  manner  of  real  cameos,  and  that  by  this 
mode  of  working  the  artist  had  been  enabled 
to  superadd  to  the  exquisite  beauty  of  the  sculp- 
ture the  effect  of  light  and  shade,  by  cutting 
down  the  parts  to  greater  or  less  thickness  ac- 
cording as  the  shade  was  required  to  be  deeper 
or  lighter.  By  this  means  the  blue  underneath 
was  more  or  less  visible  through  the  semi-trans- 
parent white  relief.  To  work  in  this  manner  a 
vase  of  such  magnitude  so  much  time,  labor, 
and  skill  would  be  required  for  the  production 
of  a single  piece  that  no  modern  artist,  however 
capable  of  the  execution,  would  engage  to  per- 
form the  operation.  Some  thought  that  Wedg- 
wood’s endeavor  to  produce  the  same  effect  was 
a presumptuous  attempt,  especially  in  his  own 
jasper  compositions. 

Wedgwood  took  a vast  amount  of  advice 
before  he  proceeded  with  the  work.  While 
still  busy  studying  the  Portland  vase,  he  wrote 
to  Lord  Auckland,  then  ambassador  at  Madrid. 
In  the  course  of  his  letter  Wedgwood  said  : “ I 
employ  several  modellers  constantly  in  Rome, 
and  get  what  I can  from  Paris,  and  am  very  happy 
when  I can  have  any  thing  done  by  my  own 
artists  in  England  ; but  my  works  are  too  small 
and  delicate  for  them,  so  that  little  assistance 
can  be  obtained  in  England,  except  what  is 


288 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


done  under  my  own  eye  at  Etruria.  You  will 
perhaps  wonder  at  your  not  having  heard  some- 
thing of  the  Barberini  vase.  I was  always  very 
sensible  of  the  difficulty  of  attempting  to  copy 
so  exquisite  a piece  of  workmanship  ; but  in  the 
progress  of  the  undertaking  difficulties  have 
occurred  which  nothing  but  practice  could  have 
discovered  to  me.  TJie  prospect,  however, 
brightens  before  me,  and  after  having  made 
several  defective  copies- 1 think  I begin  to  see 
my  way  to  the  final  completion  of  it.  I shall 
take  the  liberty  of  troubling  your  Excellency 
with  a further  account  of  my  progress  in  this 
great  work, — for  such  you  must  permit  me  to 
call  it, — as  I advance  nearer  to  the  end.” 

Wedgwood  also  took  the  advice  of  Sir  Wil- 
liam Hamilton,  at  one  time  the  j^ossessor  of  the 
Portland  vase.  Sir  William  replied  : 

“Naples,  24th  July,  1786. 

“ SiE  : I will  not  delay  answering,  as  well  as 
I am  able,  your  letter  of  the  22d  of  last  month. 
It  gives  me  much  satisfaction  to  find  that  the 
Barberini  vase  not  only  remains  in  England,  but 
is  in  your  hands,  as  I well  know  that  no  one 
can  make  a better  use  of  it.  . . You  have  seen 
so  well  into  the  difficulties  you  will  have  to  en- 
counter if  you  attempt  an  exact  copy  of  this 
vase  that  I really  have  nothing  to  add  to  the 
reflections  j^ou  have  made  on  the  subject,  and  I 
much  approve  of  your  beginning  with  the  most 


The  Barherini  or  Portland  Vase  289 


simple  copies.  I much  approve,  likewise,  of 
your  making  copies  of  single  figures,  and  even 
of  the  heads.  In  short,  you  cannot  multiply 
this  wonderful  performance  too  much  ; but  I 
am  convinced,  as  you  say,  that  an  exact  copy 
of  the  vase  finished  by  the  engraver  would  be 
too  expensive  to  find  a purchaser  in  Europe. 

I admire  your  enthusiasm  on  the  frequent 
and  close  examination  of  tbe  vase,  and  am  happy 
that  its  superior  merit  is  felt  by  some  few  in 
England.  I saw  it  every  day  for  above  a year, 
and  protest  that  I admired  it  more  and  more. 
You  are  very  right  in  there  being  some  little 
defects  in  the  drawing.  It  would,  however,  be 
dangerous  to  touch  that,  but  I should  highly 
approve  of  your  restoring  in  your  copies  what 
has  been  damaged  by  the  hand  of  Time.  The 
side  where  the  female  figure  has  a torch  re- 
versed is  perfectly  preserved,  and  the  other 
should  be  made  as  like  it  as  possible. 

‘‘  I should  have  thought  that  my  friend  Flax- 
man  would  have  been  of  use  to  you  in  your 
present  undertaking,  for  I must  do  liim  the  jus- 
tice to  say  that  I never  saw  a bas-relief  executed 
in  the  true  simple  antique  style  half  so  well  as 
that  he  did  of  the  Apotheosis  of  Homer  from 
one  of  my  vases,  and  one  of  which  you  were  so 
good  as  to  send  me. 

“ Your  ornamental  flower-pots  and  other  pieces 
of  work  are  much  admired  liere,  but  for  a piece 
you  sell  for  twelve  shillings  they  ask  at  least 
13 


290 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


two  guineas,  so  tliat  tliere  are  few  purchasers. 
If  you  could,  instead  of  sky-blue,  make  your 
ground  look  like  an  onyx  as  in  the  vase  itself, 
it  would  be  better,  for  there  is  no  natural  stone 
of  the  sky-blue  color.  Unless  you  hold  up  the 
Barberini  vase  to  the  light  it  appears  to  be  of 
a real  onyx,  and.  was  long  mistaken  for  one. 

I most  heartily  wish  you  success  in  your 
present  arduous  task.  Follow  your  own  judg- 
ment, for  I am  sure  no  one  can  see  clearer  into 
the  merit  of  the  original  and  the  difficulty  of 
copying  it  than  you  do.  I think,  with  you,  the 
form  might  be  more  elegant,  and  I would  try 
to  make  one  more  elegant,  but  it  must  be 
simple. 

“ Your  most  obedient, 

‘‘  Wm.  Hamilton.” 

Wedgwood  replied  to  this  letter,  thanking 
Sir  William  for  his  great  efforts  to  advance  the 
arts  in  bis  native  country  and  for  the  splendid 
vases  which  he  had  placed  in  the  British 
Museum.  He  also  thanked  him  for  the  models 
in  clay  taken  from  the  statues  he  had  dug  up 
at  Herculaneum.  He  promised  to  inform  Sir 
William  of  the  excellent  new  modellers  he  had 
emploj^ed — principally  Mr.  Webber  on  the  rec- 
ommendation of  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds  and  Sir 
William  Chambers. 

“Thus  you  see,  sir,”  Wedgwood  continued, 
“ I am  laying  foundations,  and  in  some  measure 


The  Barber  mi  or  Portland  Vase  291 

sacrificing  the  present  for  tlie  future  ; but  I 
sliall  not  in  the  meantime  leave  myself  alto- 
gether without  resources.  I have  an  excellent 
modeller  here,  who  has  been  some  years  under 
Mr.  Webber’s  instructions,  and  Mr.  Banks, 
a very  able  statuary,  in  London,  whom  you 
must  have  known  in  Italy,  and  another  artist 
in  town,  both  of  whom  have  promised  to  em- 
ploy all  the  time  they  can  spare  for  me.  . . 

“ I have  likewise  many  chimncj^-pieces  in 
hand,  some  of  which,  with  the  vases  and  figures 
that  are  to  go  along  with  them,  will  be  very 
tedious  and  expensive.  But  my  great  work  is 
the  Portland  vase.  I have  now  finished  a third 
and  last  edition  of  the  figures,  the  two  first 
being  suppressed  in  hopes  of  making  the  third 
still  more  perfect.  In  this  I have  certainly 
succeeded,  but  how  far  I have  done  so  upon 
the  whole,  and  with  what  success,  others  must 
determine.  My  present  difficulty  is  to  give 
those  beautiful  shades  to  the  thin  and  distant 
parts  of  the  figures,  for  which  the  original 
artist  availed  himself  of  the  semi-transparency 
of  the  white  glass,  cutting  it  down  nearer  and 
nearer  to  the  blue  ground  in  proportion  as  he 
wished  to  increase  the  depth  of  shade.  But 
the  case  is  very  different  with  me.  I must 
depend  upon  an  agent  whose  effects  are 
neither  at  my  command  nor  to  be  perceived  at 
the  time  they  are  produced,  viz.,  the  action  of 
fire  on  my  compositions.  A little  more  or  a 


292 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


little  less  fire,  and  even  tlie  length  of  time 
employed  in  producing  the  same  degree,  Avill 
make  a veiy  material  difference  in  this  delicate 
operation.  I am  now  engaged  in  a course  of 
experiments  for  determining  these  points  with 
as  much  precision  as  tlie  nature  of  tlie  case 
will  admit  of,  and  this  is  now  the  only  thing 
that  retards  the  completion  of  this  grand  object. 

‘‘I  long  much  to  see  the  copies  you  are  so 
good  as  to  send  me  of  those  fine  Avorks  of 
antiquity,  and  you  may  depend  upon  seeing 
the  first  productions  from  them  Avith  all  the 
despatch  I am  able  to  make.  My  best  thanks, 
accompanied  as  they  are  Avith  the  sincerest 
gratitude  and  highest  respect,  to  your  Excel- 
lency are  a poor  return  for  these  repeated 
instances  of  jmur  goodness  to  me.” 

At  length,  by  introducing  other  expedients 
Avhere  the  liand  of  the  modeller  Avas  insufficient, 
Wedgwood  in  1790,  after  many  unsuccessful 
trials,  produced  copies  of  the  Portland  vase 
Avhich,  after  a strict  comparison  Avith  the 
original,  gave  perfect  satisfaction  to  the  most 
distinguished  artists  in  Great  Britain.  For  the 
satisfaction  of  those  Avho  could  not  have  an 
opportunity  of  making  such  comparison  them- 
selves he  thought  it  necessary  to  have  the 
accuracy  of  some  of  the  copies  authenticated 
in  the  fullest  manner  by  men  of  the  highest 
distinction  : in  the  first  place  by  the  possessor 
of  the  vase  itself,  the  Duke  of  Portland  ; then 


The  Barhermi  or  Portland  Vase  293 

by  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  president  of  the  Royal 
Society  ; by  the  Earl  of  Leicester,  president  of 
tlie  Society  of  Antiquarians  ; and  by  Sir  Joshua 
Reynolds,  president  of  the  Royal  Academy  of 
Arts.  Sir  Joshua  was  pleased  to  add  that  he 
“ can  venture  to  declare  it  a correct  and  faith- 
ful imitation,  both  in  regard  to  the  general 
effect  and  the  most  minute  detail  of  the  parts.” 

Wedgwood  had  the  Portland  vase  in  his  pos- 
session for  more  than  twelve  months,  and 
during  that  time  lie  made  fifty  copies,  which 
were  subscribed  for  at  fifty  guineas  each.  Yet 
the  sum  thus  realized  fell  far  short  of  his  actual 
outlay  in  making  them.  Wedgwood  himself 
regarded  it  as  his  chef-d'oeuvre.  Like  his 
other  works,  his  copy  of  the  vase  greatly  in- 
creased in  value  after  his  death.  At  Mr. 
Rogers’  sale  one  of  them  was  sold  for  127 
guineas  ; and  on  the  24th  of  March,  1892, 
another  copy,  belonging  to  the  late  Mr.  Holt  of 
Liverpool,  was  sold  at  Christie’s  for  205  guineas. 

When  Sir  William  Hamilton  next  visited 
England,  it  was  partly  for  the  purpose  of 
seeing  the  copy  of  the  Portland  vase.  After 
his  visit  to  Etruria  he  sent  the  following  letter 
to  Wedgwood  : 


‘‘  Newcastle-uj^der-Lyme, 

‘‘  23d  July,  1790. 

‘‘  Sir  : Hot  having  had  the  good  fortune  to 
meet  with  you  in  London,  I determined  to  take 


294 


Josiah  ’Wedgwood 


Etruria  on  my  way  to  Derbyshire,  where  I am 
going  to  make  a visit.  I am  now  just  return- 
ing from  your  house,  and  much  disappointed 
at  not  liaving  had  the  pleasure  of  finding  either 
you  or  my  ISTaples  acquaintance  at  home. 
However,  I liave  accomplished  one  of  my  great 
objects,  wliich  was  the  seeing  your  wonderful 
copy  of  the  Portland  vase.  I am  so  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  original,  and  the  difficulties 
you  must  have  met  with,  that  I really  think  it 
is  so.  The  sublime  character  of  the  original  is 
wonderfully  preserved  in  your  copy,  and  little 
more  is  wanting  than  the  sort  of  transparency 
which  your  materials  could  not  imitate  to 
induce  those  not  quite  so  knowing  as  jmu  and 
I are  to  mistake  it  for  the  original.  In  short, 
I am  wonderfully  pleased  with  it,  and  give  you 
the  greatest  credit  for  having  arrived  so  near 
the  imitation  of  what  I believe  to  be  the  first 
specimen  of  the  excellence  of  the  arts  of  the 
ancients  existing.  . . I saw  the  models  of 
some  bas-reliefs  that  the  young  man  you  em- 
ploy at  Rome  has  done  for  you,  and  I think 
them  excellent.  Flaxman  goes  on  improving 
dailjq  and  is  in  my  opinion  the  greatest  genius 
we  have  at  Rome,  lie  is  attempting  a marble 
group  as  big  as  the  Laocoon,  and  I think  will 
succeed  wonderfully.  . . 

“ I am,  sir,  etc., 

Wm.  Hamilton.” 


Tlie  Barber  ini  or  Portlanel  Vase  295 


In  the  course  of  the  same  year  Wedgwood 
published  bis  “ Dissertation  on  tbe  Portland 
Vase,”  in  which  he  detailed  the  results  of  his 
observations  as  to  the  processes  employed  in  its 
original  manufacture  ; and  he  explained  his 
views  as  to  the  meaning  of  the  groups  of  fig- 
ures which  embellished  it.  Several  of  these 
explanations  are  manifestly  erroneous,  having 
probably  been  formed  from  inaccurate  draw- 
ings, in  which  the  right  hand  is  often  mistaken 
for  the  left,  and  the  male  figures  for  female. 
All  of  them,  indeed,  are  merely  conjectural  ; 
and  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  the  warm 
imagination  of  Wedgwood,  with  the  beautiful 
original  before  his  eyes,  should  have  made  mis- 
takes ; yet  his  ‘‘  Dissertation,”  we  believe,  will 
do  no  discredit  either  to  his  genius  or  his  taste. 

Wedgwood’s  enterprise,  notwithstanding  his 
increasing  years,  was  not  upon  the  wane.  In 
1790  he  vfent  to  Meissen,  near  Dresden,  to  visit 
the  royal  factory  maintained  by  the  King  of 
Saxony.  It  had  become  unable  to  pay  its 
expenses,  and  was  a heavy  drain  upon  the 
sovereign’s  privy  purse.  After  visiting  the 
factory  Wedgwood  was  so  convinced  of  its 
capabilities,  if  under  good  management,  that  he 
offered  a payment  of  three  thousand  pounds  a 
year  to  be  allowed  to  take  it  entirely  upon  him- 
self, but  his  offer  was  refused."^ 

*“  History  of  Pottery  and  Porcelain,”  by  Joseph 
Marryat.  Murray,  18G8. 


290 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


At  leiigtli  the  king  became  tired  of  the  annual 
expense,  and  ceded  the  porcelain  factory  to  the 
Finance  Department,  who  continued  it  to  their 
loss.  The  kaolin  at  Aue  had  been  nearly 
exhausted.  The  factory  is  now  reduced  to  a 
low  ebb,  and  produces  only  inferior  articles.  It 
was  well  for  Wedgwood  that  his  offer  Avas 
rel^used,  and  that  he  was  under  the  necessity  of 
returning  to  England,  and  carrying  on  his  still 
j^rosperous  business  at  Etruria. 

Long  after  the  Portland  vase  had  passed  out 
of  Wedgwood’s  hands,  and  been  deposited  in 
the  British  Museum,  a lunatic  named  William 
Lloyd  smashed  the  vase  to  pieces  in  1845.  The 
man  was  apprehended,  and  paid  the  fine  imposed 
by  the  magistrates  rather  than  undergo  im- 
prisonment. The  pieces  of  the  vase  were 
carefully  gathered  together,  and  joined  so 
perfectly  by  Mr.  Doubleday  that  a blemish  can 
scarcely  be  detected  ; and  the  restored  vase,  Avith 
one  of  WedgAvood’s  copies,  is  noAv  deposited  in 
the  medal-room  of  the  Museum. 


CHAPTER  XXI 


Wedgwood’s  peesonal  histoey — his  sons’ 

EDUCATION 

Notwithstanding  the  various  works  in 
which  he  was  engaged,  Wedgwood  never 
neglected  the  interests  of  his  family.  The 
most  complete  domestic  happiness  was  added 
to  the  general  prosperity  with  which  his  tlays 
were  blessed.  He  was  happy  in  his  wife,  to 
whom  he  necessarily  left  the  infancy  of  his 
children  and,  to  a certain  extent,  the  training 
of  his  daughters  ; but  to  the  education  of  his 
sons,  after  they  had  emerged  from  the  period 
of  childhood,  he  paid  especial  attention. 

From  the  age  at  which  the  mind  begins  to 
unfold  its  powers,  and  becomes  sensible  of 
having  a part  to  maintain  among  men,  the 
training  of  his  sons  was  in  the  main  his  own. 
He  lived  with  his  children  as  with  friends,  in 
an  easy  and  unrestrained  manner.  He  showed 
them  entire  confidence,  which  they  faithfully 
returned.  He  permitted  no  deception  or  im- 
position to  be  practised  by  them,  even  in 
jocularity,  thus  precluding  all  falsehood  and 
dissimulation. 


298 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


111  short,  he  treated  his  children,  from  infancy 
to  manhood,  as  rational  beings.  Another  im- 
portant point  in  his  treatment  of  his  boys  and 
girls  Avas  to  give  them  habits  of  enquiring  and 
examining  for  themselves,  thus  elucidating  the 
valuable  talent  of  impartial  judgment.  More 
happy  and  respected,  and  perhaps  less  restrained, 
at  home  than  elsewhere,  they  had  no  inducement 
to  seek  further  intercourse  Avith  the  Avorld  until 
their  judgment  and  habits  Avere  fully  formed. 

We  have  already  referred  to  the  ardor  Avith 
which  WedgAVOod,  in  the  company  of  his  sons, 
carried  on  their  chemical  experiments  on  gas, 
on  clay,  and  all  manner  of  materials.  In 
October,  1785,  WedgAvood  sent  his  eldest  son, 
John,  to  the  University  of  Edinburgh.  Tliere 
he  Avas  introduced  by  Dr.  DarAvin  to  Dr.  Joseph 
Black,  lecturer  on  chemistry,  and  the  dis- 
coverer of  latent  heat,  Avhich  so  much  helped 
James  Watt  in  his  development  of  the  con- 
densing steam-engine.  Young  WedgAvood 
made  many  other  friends  in  Edinburgh.  He 
Avas  introduced  to  the  principal,  “avIio  seemed 
very  much  pleased  Avith  Josiah  Wedgwood’s 
bas-reliefs.”  He  also  made  friends  Avith  Drs. 
Rutherford,  Duncan,  Hutton,  and  Robison, 
whose  lectures  he  attended. 

After  John’s  session  he  went  Avith  Mr. 
Byerley  to  Paris,  in  order  to  perfect  himself 
in  the  French  language,  and  there  he  lived 
Avith  M,  Teulierc.  WedgAvood  Avrote  to  his 


Wedgiiiood'^s  Personal  History  299 

son  from  Etruria  that  he  had  been  told  by  Mr. 
Byerley  that  there  was  no  good  water  in  Paris 
to  drink,  and  that  he  was  obliged  to  depart 
from  his  usual  regimen  and  drink  wine,  by 
which  his  health  had  suffered  considerably. 

‘‘  He  tells  me  [said  the  father]  that  you  are 
obliged  to  do  the  same.  I have  explained  myself 
fully  to  Mr.  Byerley  on  this  subject,  both  with 
respect  to  himself  and  to  you.  In  three  words, 
nothing,  no  advantage  whatever,  can  in  my  mind 
compensate  to  either  of  you  for  being  in  such 
a situation.  You  know  my  rooted  and  well- 
founded  objections  to  young  people  accustom- 
ing themselves  to  the  use  of  fermented  liquors. 
Habits  of  this  kind  are  soon  formed.  They 
increase,  and  rivet  themselves  imperceptibly 
both  on  body  and  mind.  They  cannot  be  too 
soon  or  too  earnestly  guarded  against.  May 
God  preserve  my  dear  son  from  this  and  all 
other  evil  habits  is  the  pra3^er  of  your  affec- 
tionate father,  J.  W.” 

In  a future  letter  John  said  he  had  visited 
the  Due  de  la  Rochefoucauld,  by  whom  he  was 
kindly  received,  and  also  M.  Lavoisier,  the  chem- 
ist, with  whom  he  dined.  Lavoisier  was  one  of 
the  most  distinguished  philosophers  in  France, 
whose  head  was  afterward  cut  off  by  the  guillo- 
tine because  the  Revolutionists  “had  no  need  of 
philosophers  in  Paris.” 


300 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


After  visiting  the  Sevres  manufactoiy,  in 
1786,  in  the  company  of  Boulton  and  Watt  of 
Birmingham,  young  Wedgwood  proposed  to 
make  a residence  in  the  country,  where  the  people 
spoke  good  Frencli,  and  where  he  would  not  be 
distracted  by  the  amusements  and  revels  of 
Paris.  His  father  agreed,  and  requested  him 
to  keep  a diary  or  commonplace  book  in  which 
he  might  note  down  all  that  he  saw  of  interest 
or  importance. 

Tlie  next  letter  we  have  from  young  Wedg- 
wood is  dated  from  the  house  of  M.  Pictet,  pro- 
fessor of  philosophy  at  Geneva  (28th  Novem- 
ber, 1787).  He  expresses  his  warmest  gratitude 
to  his  father  for  sending  his  brother  Tom  to 
the  University  of  Edinburgh,  and  also  for  his 
intention  to  send  him  to  join  his  brothers  at 
Geneva,  to  be  instructed  by  M.  Pictet.  Josiah 
Wedgwood  seems  to  have  been  most  grateful 
for  the  intellectual  training  his  sons  had  received 
from  the  good  philosopher. 

Young  Wedgwood’s  next  journey  with  his 
brother  was  to  Rome,  av hither  they  went  to  see 
the  ancient  Greek  sculj^tures.  Ilis  father  wrote 
to  Sir  William  Hamilton  : 

“ Dear  Sir  : After  acquainting  you  with  my 
sons’  going  to  Rome,  accompanied  by  Web- 
ber, my  principal  artist,  and  after  the  experience 
I have  had  of  your  goodness  on  former  occa- 
sions, you  will  not  be  surprised  if  I request 


Wedgwood'^s  Personal  History  301 

yonr  protection  of  them.  I know  you  will 
embrace  every  opportunity  that  may  happen 
for  promoting  the  studies  of  these  two  young 
men,  who  travel,  as  I hope  they  do,  mainly  for 
improvement. 

‘‘I  have  the  honor  to  be,  etc.,  yours, 

“Jos.  Wedgwood.” 

The  young  men  went  to  Naples,  and  were  gra- 
ciously received  by  Sir  William,  who  exhibited 
to  them  all  his  collection  of  antiquities. 

“Naples,  29th  April,  1788. 

“Flaxman  has  drawn  some  of  my  vases, 
which  were  dug  up  near  Naples,  but  his  health 
did  not  permit  him  to  stay  long  in  this  neigh- 
borhood. Your  sons  liked  the  country  so  well 
as  to  make  a second  visit,  and  I was  really  glad 
to  see  them,  as  I can  assure  you  that  their  beha- 
vior was  such  as  to  give  universal  satisfaction. 
You  will  probably  have  heard  of  them  since 
their  return  to  Rome.  . . I most  sincerely 
wish  you  a continuance  of  health  and  success 
in  your  noble  efforts  in  propagating  a good  taste 
in  your  country. 

“ Yours  ever,  etc., 

“Wm.  Hamilton.” 

After  his  return  to  England,  before  settling 
down  to  business  at  Etruria,  young  Wedgwood 
made  a home  tour.  Josiah  Wedgwood  wrote  to 


302 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


Lord  Auckland,  tlien  ambassador  at  Madrid 
(5tli  July,  1789)  : ‘‘My  sou  lias  been  at  home 
nearly  six  months.  lie  is  now  on  a tour  of 
discovery  in  his  own  countiy, — W ales,  the  west 
of  England  as  far  as  the  Land’s  End, — along 
with  a Mr.  Hawkins,  an  excellent  mineralogist, 
of  Cornwall,  with  whom  he  became  acquainted 
abroad  ; otherwise  he  would  gladly  have  em- 
braced the  opportunity  of  thanking  you  for 
your  friendly  notice  of  him.” 

After  his  return  from  the  Land’s  End  young 
Josiah  began  to  be  of  use  to  his  father  in  the 
business  at  Etruria.  He  conducted  the  corre- 
spondence in  the  absence  of  his  senior,  and 
made  himself  acquainted,  when  in  London,  with 
the  various  commercial  and  manufacturing 
affairs  of  the  home  factory.  It  was  in  a man- 
ner necessaiy  for  him  to  do  this,  as  John  Wedg- 
wood, his  father’s  relative  and  partner  (so  far 
as  the  useful  wares  were  concerned),  died  in  the 
course  of  the  same  year,  1788,  and  thus  the 
elder  Josiah  was  left  sole  proprietor  of  the  great 
establishment  he  had  founded. 

This,  however,  could  soon  be  remedied.  In 
January,  1790,  Wedgwood  took  into  partner- 
ship his  three  sons,  John,  Josiah,  and  Thomas, 
and  his  nephew  B3^erle3q  the  latter  having 
an  eighth  share  of  the  profits.  He  had  already 
for  a time  managed  the  London  business,  and 
eventually  took  an  active  share  in  the  commer- 
cial part  of  the  concern  at  Etruria.  John  and 


WedgwoocVs  Personal  History  303 


Thomas  Wedgwood  afterward  retired,  the  one 
to  become  a junior  partner  in  the  London  and 
Middlesex  Bank,  and  the  other  to  devote  him- 
self to  chemical  and  scientific  pursuits — among 
otliers,  to  heliotypy  or  piiotography.  After 
that  the  firm  was  known  as  that  of  Josiah 
Wedgwood,  Sons  & Byerley. 

Wedgwood  had  constant  correspondence  witli 
Dr.  Darwin.  On  one  occasion  we  find  Di*. 
Darwin  asking  for  information  about  his  first 
wooden  leg.  It  had  been  first  made  by  Addi- 
son, a lay-figure  maker  in  Hanover  Street,  Long- 
acre,  about  eighteen  years  ago  ; but  since  tlien 
an  ingenious  joiner  had  made  them  at  home. 
“ He  is  making  me  a new  one  now,  which,  I 
believe,  is  nearly  finished.  He  lias  made  me 
one  or  two  before,  and  lias  had  the  care  of  the 
old  one  for  many  years.  It  has  received  so 
many  repairs  from  him  that  it  has  now  become 
almost  like  the  sailor’s  knife  which  had  so  many 
new  blades  and  so  man}^  neiv  hafts.  He  is 
willing  to  make  one  for  the  gentleman  you 
mention.”  * 

Wedgwood  for  many  long  years  was  much 
troubled  by  his  wooden  leg.  It  was  always  in 
the  way  and  often  interfered  with  his  health. 
By  preventing  him  taking  exercise  he  thought 
it  made  him  bilious.  He  was  often  prevented 
walking,  except  on  crutches,  even  to  serve  his 
most  noble  customers.  When  he  was  requisi- 
tioned to  serve  as  an  overseer  of  the  poor  in  the 


304 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


parish  of  St.  Ann’s,  Solio  (in  whicli  liis  ware- 
house in  Greek  Street  was  situated),  on  the 
advice  of  J.  Balgeny,  his  counsel,  lie  declined 
the  office  on  the  ground  that  he  did  not  live 
in  London,  and  also  because  of  ‘‘having  been 
deprived  of  a leg,  and  being  obliged  to  use  a 
wooden  one.”  His  pleas  were  admitted. 

Dr.  Darwin  again  wrote  to  WedgAvood  when 
writing  his  “Botanic  Garden.”  “If  you  wish 
the  speech  of  Hope'^  longer,  send  me  what 
materials  you  would  have  added,  as  suppose : 

“ Here  future  Newtons  shall  explore  the  skies, 

Here  future  Priestleys,  future  Wedgwoods  rise. 

Now,  in  return,  remember  you  are  to  send  me 
a drawing  of  Cupid  Warming  a Butterfly.” 

On  the  22d  of  February,  1789,  Dr.  Darwin 
wrote  to  Wedgwood  : “Herewith  you  will  re- 
ceive the  ‘Botanic  Garden,’  of  which  I am  the 
supposed^  not  the  avoioed,  author.  I intend  to 
scold  you  for  not  making  Derby  on  your  Avay 
to  and  from  London,  This  I shall,  however, 
postpone  till  Ave  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you 
here.” 

On  a future  occasion  Dr.  Darwin  asked 
Wedgwood  as  to  his  merits  as  a potter.  His 
reply  Avas  : “ To  your  first  question,  I only  pre- 
tend to  have  attempted  to  copy  the  fine  antique 
forms,  but  not  Avith  absolute  servility  ; I have 
endeavored  to  preserve  the  style  and  spirit — or, 
*“Hope”  was  modelled  by  Webber. 


'Wedgitiood'^s  Personal  History  305 

if  you  please,  the  elegant  simplicity  of  the 
antique  forms,  and,  in  so  doing,  to  introduce  all 
the  variety  I am  able  ; and  this  Sir  AVilliam 
Hamilton  assures  me  that  I may  venture  to  do, 
and  that  it  is  the  true  way  of  copying  the 
antique. 

“ To  your  second,  viz.,  ‘ Was  any  thing  of 
consequence  done  in  the  medallion  or  cameo 
kind  before  you,  in  real  stones,  or  in  imitation 
of  real  stones,  in  paste  or  soft  colored  glasses?’ 
Much  has  formerly  been  done.  Witness  the 
Portland  vase,  and  numberless  pieces  of  inferior 
note.  Bas-reliefs  of  various  sizes  have  likewise 
been  made  of  a coarse  brown  earth  of  one  color. 
But  of  the  improved  kind  of  two  or  more  colors, 
and  a true  peculiar  texture,  none  were  made  by 
tlie  ancients,  or  attempted  by  the  moderns  that 
I could  hear  of,  till  some  of  tliem  began  to 
copy  in  an  inferior  manner  my  jasper  cameos. 
But  this  sounds  so  like  blowing  my  own  trum- 
pet that  I shall  say  no  more.” 

Wedgwood  might  have  written  a better  an- 
swer to  Dr.  Darwin  had  he  copied  his  state- 
ment to  the  court  (2'7th  Juljq  IVVI)  when  he 
defended  his  action  against  the  persons  who 
desired  to  infringe  liis  solitary  patent.  He  then 
averred  that  he  “ has  been  brought  up  to  tlie 
business  of  a potter  in  Staffordsliire,  where  he 
practised  this  art,  along  with  tliat  of  enamelling, 
as  a master  for  upward  of  twenty  years.  . . 
He  has  enriched  the  pottery  of  his  country  with 


306 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


many  inventions  and  improvements,  whereby 
pottery  has  been  raised  from  a low  and  declin- 
ing state  to  its  present  condition  of  one  of  the 
most  flourishing  manufactures  in  his  Majesty’s 
dominions. 

He  first  invented  the  art  of  ornamenting 
ware  with  colored  glazes  of  various  kinds. 

‘‘He  first  adapted  the  engine  lathe  to  the 
working  upon  clay,  and  introduced  the  use  of  it 
into  the  pottery  manufacture. 

“ He  introduced  the  queen’s  ware,  which  ban- 
ished the  French  ware  from  our  markets  and 
tables. 

“ His  experiments  on  clays  enabled  him  to 
introduce  many  new  ornaments  of  many  kinds, 
especially  vases,  cameos,  tablets,  portraits,  and 
classical  models  in  jasper,  etc. 

“ The  object  of  the  action  is  to  prohibit  a 
London  manufacturer  infringing  Wedgwood’s 
patent  for  producing  Etruscan  vases  in  a cer- 
tain manner.” 

Meanwhile  Wedgwood  carried  on  his  business 
at  Etruria  in  the  old  way.  Wherever  he  could 
make  an  improvement  he  introduced  it.  Flax- 
man  sent  him  new  casts  and  drawings  from 
Rome.  Deveare  sent  him  a bas-relief  of  Pros- 
erpine from  the  Borghese  vase,  executed  in  the 
most  beautiful  manner.  Webber  followed  him 
to  Rome  and  sent  to  Greek  Street  some  exquisite 
models.  But  Wedgwood  had  other  assistants 
in  Italy,  the  cliief  of  whom  was  Dalmazzoni. 


Wedgioood^s  Personal  History^  307 


He  also  had  several  excellent  artists  under  him, 
Flaxman  being  principally  engaged  upon  his 
own  works  in  sculpture.  Pacetti  and  Angelini 
also  modelled  for  Wedgwood.  Fradotti  and 
Mangiarotti  were  his  chief  cameo  engravers,  as 
well  as  Angelini.  The  models  sent  to  Wedg- 
wood from  Italy  were  very  numerous. 

But  now  his  active  life  seemed  coming  to  a 
close,  for  though  his  mind  was  still  as  active  as 
ever,  his  j)hysique  was  failing.  lie  took  fre- 
quent holidays,  and  occasionally  went  to  Bux- 
ton and  Blackpool,  sometimes  making  a tour  in 
the  Lake  District.  When  at  home,  he  took  to 
gardening,'  and  we  find  him  writing  a long 
letter  to  Dr.  Darwin  about  the  qualities  of  a 
gardener.  Dr.  Darwin  continued  to  be  one  of 
his  most  intimate  friends,  and  they  often  met 
for  the  purpose  of  renewing  the  old  scientific 
discussions. 

Wedgwood  did  not  confine  himself  to  his 
own  domestic  concerns.  He  had  long  corre- 
spondences with  Miss  Anna  Seward  and  Thomas 
Clarkson  about  the  abolition  of  the  slave-trade. 
On  one  occasion  Clarkson  wrote  a long  letter 
to  Wedgwood  about  “the  cause  in  which  we 
are  mutually  engaged.”  Clarkson  was  then 
considering  whether  he  ought  to  continue  his 
efforts  or  retire  into  private  life.  He  had 
been  engaged  in  the  agitation  for  seven  years. 
His  mind  and  body  had  been  greatly  injured, 
and  though  comparatively  a poor  man,  he 


308 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


liad  expended  not  less  Iban  fifteen  hundred 
pounds.  If  he  had  to  meet  tlie  numerous  calls 
made  upon  him,  he  must  be  inevitably  ruined.” 
Upon  this  statement  Wedgwood  helped  Clark- 
son liberally,  and  the  prime  mover  of  slavery 
abolition  pursued  his  course  with  cheerfulness. 
Had  not  Wedgwood  produced  the  kneeling  sup- 
pliant with  the  appeal,  “Am  I not  a man  and  a 
brother  ? ” 

Wedgwood  did  not  confine  his  generosity  to 
the  black  slaves  of  the  East  Indies  ; he  also  sub- 
scribed (in  January,  1'792)  one  hundred  pounds 
“ toward  the  succor  of  the  people  of  Poland,” 
and  his  three  sons  subscribed  fifty  pounds  each. 

At  one  time  Wedgwood  spoke  of  spending 
the  summer  in  Germany,  and  after  seeing  Flor- 
ence and  Venice  returning  with  his  son  directly 
to  England,  but,  Avith  the  exception  of  his 
journey  to  Meissen,  with  the  object  of  looking 
over  the  manufactory  there,  he  did  not  make 
his  journey  to  Italy.  In  1'790  Wedgwood  wrote 
to  his  agent  Deveare  in  Home  : “ I am  rejoiced, 
Avitli  the  rest  of  your  friends  here,  in  the  hopes 
of  seeing  you  and  Mr.  Flaxman  returning  safe 
to  your  native  country.  . . You  say  I pointed 
out  to  you  not  to  lose  time.  If  I did  so,  I had 
no  other  meaning  in  it  than  when  I told  Mr. 
Flaxman  that  you  might  send  the  model  with- 
out loss  of  time.”  Heveare  afterward  went  to 
Etruria  as  a modeller  for  Wedgwood,  Avhere  he 
was  known  as  John  de  Vere. 


Wedgwood'^s  Personal  History  309 


Wedgwood  was  gradually  withdrawing  from 
the  active  part  of  his  business.  Yet  he  could 
not  entirely  withdraw.  To  Dr.  Darwin  he  wrote 
in  lYSS  : I sigh  that  I am  becoming  an  old 
man — that  age  and  infirmities  overtake  me,  and 
more  than  whisper  in  ear  that  it  is  time  to 
diminish  rather  than  increase  the  objects  of  my 
attention.”  And  yet  he  was  only  fifty-two 
years  old,  an  age  at  which  many  men  consider 
themselves  in  the  prime  of  life. 

Wedgwood  did  not  forget  his  old  friends. 
He  specially  remembered  Di-.  Priestley,  his 
bosom  friend  next  to  Darwin.  He  had  long  ad- 
mired and  followed  Priestley’s  enthusiasm  for 
chemistry,  and,  knowing  that  the  doctor’s  salary 
from  his  congregation  was  small,  Boulton, 
Wedgwood,  and  Darwin  took  private  counsel 
together  as  to  the  best  means  of  providing  him 
with  funds  to  carry  on  what  Dr.  Darwin  called 
his  ‘‘  fine  vein  of  experiments.” 

Wedgwood  had  an  interview  with  Priestley, 
who  communicated  to  him  that  he  never  thought 
of  receiving  any  pecuniary  advantage  from  any 
of  his  experiments,  but  gave  them  to  the  pub- 
lic with  the  results,  just  as  they  happened,  and 
he  should  continue  to  do  so  without  ever  at- 
tempting to  make  any  private  emolument  for 
himself.  This  was  an  excellent  idea — pursu- 
ing science  for  science’  sake.  Nevertheless,  he 
could  not  deny  that  he  required  some  help,  and 
the  matter  was  arranged  to  the  great  credit  of 


310 


Josiah  Wedgwood 


all  concerned.  The  members  of  the  Lunar  So- 
ciety * subscribed,  and  several  other  private 
friends  of  Priestley.  Wedgwood  subscribed 
twenty-live  guineas  a year,  and  the  subscription 
was  continued,  after  Wedgwood’s  death,  by  his 
son  Josiah  to  the  end  of  Dr.  Priestley’s  life. 

Wedgwood,  notwithstanding  his  declining 
health,  continued  to  take  some  interest  in  sci- 
ence. In  1790  he  sent  his  last  paper  to  the 
‘‘  Philosophical  Transactions.”  f It  related  to  a 
mineral  substance  which  had  been  sent  to  him 
from  New  South  Wales.  It  consisted  of  pure 
plumbago  or  black  lead.  With  this  mineral 
Sir  Joseph  Banks  had  sent  him  some  clay  from 
the  same  colony,  which  he  found  to  be  of  ex- 
cellent quality.  Webber  modelled  a medallion 
from  it  representing  the  figure  of  Hope  stand- 
ing on  a rock,  with  three  t3q)ical  personages 
before  her,  exquisitely  finished. 

Wedgwood  was  still  far  from  well.  He  went 
to  Buxton  and  Blackpool  for  the  benefit  of  his  ‘ 
health.  lie  again  suffered  from  spectra  in  his 
eyes.  He  was  seized  with  asthma,  and  the  pain 
in  his  amputated  limb  greatly  affected  him.  On 
his  return  home  he  amused  himself  with  his 
garden,  accompanied  by  his  daughters.  His 

* The  Lunar  Society  was  a coterie  of  literary  and 
scientific  men  who  met  at  Birmingham  monthly  at  full 
moon  to  enable  distant  members  to  drive  home  by 
moonlight, 

f “ Philosophical  Transactions,”  vols.  Ixxiv.  andlxxvi. 


Wedgwood  ’5  Personal  History  311 


grounds  were  laid  out  in  tlie  most  beautiful  man- 
ner, and  every  thing,  except  their  owner,  was 
bright  and  cheerful.  Downes,  tlie  gardener, 
was  most  successful  in  his  production  of  hot- 
house grapes,  and  a bowling-green  was  laid 
down  for  the  use  of  his  neighbors,  though 
his  wooden  leg  prevented  his  playing  with 
them. 

Guests  still  came  to  Etruria  Hall,  and  were 
hospitably  entertained.  Foreigners  from  every 
country  were  frequent  visitors,  and  were  for  the 
time  made  happy  in  the  survey  of  the  beauti- 
ful works  of  art  which  the  Hall  contained.  All 
Wedgwood’s  best  productions  were  there — 
vases,  bas-reliefs,  cameos,  medallions,  and  his 
other  famous  works  of  art.  But  tliough  Wedg- 
wood strove  to  entertain  his  swarms  of  visitors, 
nothing  could  cure  the  proprietor  of  tins  casket 
of  learning  and  art. 

His  generous  contributions  to  the  aid  of  all 
good  measures  remained  the  same  as  before, 
or  were  even  increased.  His  subscriptions  to 
philanthropic  and  benevolent  societies,  to  the 
struggling  Poles,  for  the  abolition  of  the  slave- 
trade,  and  for  the  relief  of  the  loyalist  French 
emigrants  who  flooded  England  after  the  out- 
break of  the  French  Revolution,  were  large  and 
bountiful.  He  started  a free  library  and  sick 
fund  for  the  benefit  of  his  work-people  wdien 
such  help  was  very  unusual.  He  was  the  great 
friend  of  parliamentary  reform,  and  entertained 


312 


Josiah  Wedgicood 


the  opinion  that  all  measures  of  improvement 
should  he  argued  out  and  established  bj^  Parlia- 
ment. To  his  son  Josiah  he  Avrote  : “A  real 
parliamentary  reform  is,  therefore,  what  Ave  most 
stand  in  need  of,  and  for  this  I Avould  Avillingly 
devote  my  time,  the  most  precious  thing  I have, 
or  any  thing  else  by  Avliich  I could  serve  so 
noble  a cause.” 

As  another  instance  of  WedgAVOod’s  liberality 
in  respect  of  the  advancement  of  art  it  may  be 
mentioned  that  in  1792  he  offered  one  thousand 
pounds  tOAvard  the  establishment  of  a national 
gallery  of  sculpture,  Avhich  Avas  declined.  Pro- 
fessor Cockerell, Avhen  examined  before  a com- 
mittee of  the  House  of  Commons  on  the  estab- 
lishment of  schools  of  art  in  1836,  thus  spoke  of 
Wedgwood’s  offer  : “I  beg  leave  to  mention 
an  anecdote  of  the  late  Mr.  Wedgwood,  related 
to  me  b}^  Mr.  Cumberland  of  Bristol,  Avho  wrote 
a pamphlet  in  1792  recommending  a national 
gallery  of  sculpture,  casts  from  the  antique, 
etc.,  viz.,  that  Mr.  WedgAVOod  made  a tender  of 
one  thousand  pounds  in  aid  of  such  an  institu- 
tion. I beg  further  to  state  that  I have  found 
Wedgwood’s  Avorks  esteemed  in  all  parts  of 
Europe,  and  placed  in  the  most  precious  col- 
lections of  this  description  of  Avorks.” 

WedgAVOod  was  occupied  by  experiments  on 
a cheaper  glaze  for  ordinary  pottery  when  he 
Avas  again  prostrated  by  illness.  His  health 
was  evidently  failing.  Asthma  returned  in  an 


Wedgwood'' s Personal  History  313 


aggravated  form.  The  pain  returned  in  the 
nerves  of  the  amputated  leg.  His  debility  was 
greater  than  usual.  What  was  a new  thing 
was  a pain  in  his  right  jaw.  He  went  to  Bux- 
ton as  usual,  and  on  his  return  he  felt  so  much 
better  that  his  son  and  himself  wrote  cheerfully 
to  Dr.  Darwin  as  to  his  amendment.  The  doc- 
tor replied  in  a letter  dated  the  9th  December, 
1794,  in  which  he  said  : 

Your  letter  gives  me  great  pleasure  in 
assuring  me,  what  your  son  Josiah  had  before 
mentioned,  that  you  have  become  free  from 
your  complaint.  The  ceasing  of  the  palpita- 
tion of  your  heart,  and  of  the  intermission  of 
your  pulse,  is  another  proof  of  jmur  increase  of 
strength.  In  respect  to  jmur  breath  being 
less  free  in  walking  uphill,  I ascribe  to  the  dis- 
tant approach  of  age,  and  not  to  asthma. 
You  know  how  unwilling  we  all  are  to  grow 
old.  As  you  are  so  well,  I advise  you  to 
leave  off  the  bark  and  take  no  medicine  at 
present.” 

A few  days  after  the  date  of  the  doctor’s 
letters  Wedgwood’s  right  cheek  began  to  swell. 
Thinking  it  was  caused  by  toothache,  he  sent 
for  Mr.  Bent  to  draw  the  tooth.  On  inspecting 
the  interior  of  his  mouth  the  surgeon,  to  his 
dismay,  found  the  beginnings  of  gangrene. 
Dr.  Darwin  came  over  from  Derby,  and  called 
in  two  other  physicians,  but  nothing  could  be 

done.  The  patient  gradually  grew  worse.  The 
14 


314 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


inflammation  extended  into  liis  throat.  The 
fever  increased,  he  became  insensible,  and  he  un- 
consciously passed  away  on  the  3d  of  January, 
17 95,  in  the  sixty-fifth  j^ear  of  his  age.  Three 
days  after  he  was  buried  in  the  porchway  of 
the  old  parish  church  of  Stoke. 


CHAPTER  XXII 


CHARACTER  OF  WEDGWOOD 

Wedgwood  died  nearly  a century  ago,  but 
the  seed  which  he  sowed  did  not  perish  with 
him  : his  character  and  the  spirit  of  his  work 
survive  to  the  present  day.  He  was  a man  to 
impress  the  minds  of  the  generation  he  lived 
in,  and  to  hand  down  an  example  of  goodness 
and  probity  to  the  generations  which  followed 
him. 

There  is  no  need  again  to  recapitulate  the 
disadvantages  of  his  childhood : the  terrible 
trials  of  his  early  sickness  and  the  consequent 
injury  to  his  bodily  powers  in  the  vicissitudes 
of  his  active  career. 

He  had  lived  a life  of  self-improvement. 
The  handicraft  of  pottery  at  the  beginning  of 
his  career  was  rude  and  empirical,  but  he 
rapidly  raised  it  to  the  condition  of  an  art. 
He  introduced  the  turning-lathe,  and  the  form 
of  the  articles  produced  by  him  were  greatly 
improved.  It  was  not,  however,  without  the 
greatest  struggle  and  effort  that  he  achieved 
his  fame.  He  determined  to  secure  efficiency 
in  his  trade.  He  pulled  down  kiln  after  kiln 


316  Josiah  Wedgioood 

to  correct  defects  or  to  make  the  necessary 
improvements. 

He  was  constantly  inventing  new  tools  and 
machines  to  improve  the  manufacture.  He 
instructed  his  workmen  individually,  and  him- 
self made  the  first  pattern  of  any  original  piece 
made  in  his  pottery.  He  spent  his  evenings 
chiefly  in  contriving  tools  and  instruments  to 
effect  some  novel  process  or  in  making  chemical 
experiments.  He  never  lay  down  to  rest  with- 
out thinking  and  planning  the  new  work  of  the 
morrow. 

All  these  efforts  led  him  to  the  verge  of 
poverty,  like  his  predecessor,  Palissy ; but 
though  his  poverty  and  struggle  were  great, 
his  will  and  dignity  proved  greater  and 
stronger.  He  never  ceased  to  have  faith  in 
his  future.  Hot  a moment  was  given  to  doubt, 
hesitation,  or  discouragement.  He  believed 
that  his  assiduity  and  perseverance  could 
triumph. 

Another  characteristic  of  Wedgwood  was 
his  keen  insight  into  the  characters  of  men  and 
women.  It  is  not  always  by  what  a man  does 
with  his  own  head  and  hands,  but  through  the 
persons  whom  he  selects  to  carry  out  his  in- 
structions, that  he  achieves  success,  Wedg- 
wood’s workmen  began  to  love  and  respect 
their  master,  because  they  knew  that  he  had 
his  sjDecial  insight  into  their  characters.  It  was 
for  this  reason  that  Wedgwood  selected  Bent- 


Character  of  Wedgioood^^  317 

ley  for  liis  London  partner — a gentleman  of 
great  intelligence,  excellent  business  habits,  and 
unsullied  integrity. 

Wedgwood  was  also  helped  by  his  wife.  In 
one  of  his  letters  to  Bentley  he  said  that  he 
never  entered  on  any  new  plan  without  first 
consulting  his  wife.  She  was  indeed  his  true 
helpmeet.  To  quote  Wordsworth’s  line,  she 
was  the  perfect  wife  : 

“ The  reason  firm,  the  temperate  will, 
Endurance,  foresight,  strength  and  skill ; 

A perfect  woman,  nobly  planned. 

To  M'arn,  to  comfort,  and  command  ; 

And  yet  a spirit  still,  and  bright. 

With  something  of  angelic  light.” 

Wedgwood  was  never  satisfied  with  permit- 
ting things  to  remain  as  they  were.  He  must 
have  constant  improvements.  In  his  early 
years  England  was  mainly  supplied  with  its 
best  earthenware  from  abroad — from  Holland, 
France,  and  Germany.  Why  should  not  Eng- 
land, witli  its  teeming  population,  manufacture 
earthenware  for  itself  ? The  clay  and  other 
materials  were  as  good  here  as  elsewhere.  These 
only  wanted  the  master  manufacturers  to  give 
an  impulse  to  the  home  trade.  Wedgwood  w^as 
the  leading  man  to  give  that  impulse,  and  by 
his  indomitable  perseverance  to  open  a road  in 
which  other  manufacturers  followed  him,  and 
thus  the  production  of  Staffordshire  pottery  and 


318 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


the  employment  of  Staffordshire  people  were 
prodigiously  increased. 

Wedgwood  was  not  satisfied  with  the  man- 
ufacture of  ordinary  pottery.  His  desire  was  to 
add  beauty  to  utility,  and  to  render  his  works 
artistic  as  well  as  suitable  for  domestic  use. 
It  was  not  enough  for  him  to  supply  the  market 
with  increasing  orders  for  queen’s  ware,  he  also 
desired  to  add  to  his  reputation  b}^  connecting 
his  manufacture  with  art,  and  increasing  the 
taste  of  the  people  who  every  day  used,  while 
contemplating,  his  useful  ware. 

In  the  eloquent  address  delivered  by  the  Right 
Honorable  W.  E.  Gladstone,  on  the  In^dng  of 
the  foundation  stone  of  the  Wedgwood  Institute 
at  Burslem,  on  the  26th  October,  1863,  many 
pregnant  remarks  were  made  on  the  association 
of  Beaut}?-  and  Utility,  because  (as  the  Chancel- 
lor of  the  Exchequer  remarked)  “ it  is  in  this 
department,  I conceive,  that  we  are  to  look  for 
the  peculiar  pre-eminence,  I will  not  scruple  to 
say  the  peculiar  greatness,  of  Wedgwood.  . . 
The  pursuit  of  the  element  of  Beauty  in  the 
business  of  production  will  be  found  to  act 
with  a genial,  chastening,  and  refining  influence 
on  the  commercial  spirit ; that,  up  to  a certain 
point,  it  is  in  the  nature  of  a preservation  against 
some  of  the  moral  dangers  that  beset  trading 
and  manufacturing  enterprise  ; and  that  we  are 
justified  in  regarding  it  not  merely  as  an  eco- 
nomical benefit,  not  merely  as  that  which  con- 


CJuiracter  of  Wedgwood  319 

tributes  to  our  works  an  element  of  value,  not 
merely  as  that  which  supplies  a particular  fac- 
ulty of  human  nature  with  its  proper  food,  but 
as  a liberalizing  and  civilizing  power,  and  an 
instrument  in  its  own  sphere  of  moral  and 
social  improvement.” 

And  again,  in  the  same  address  on  the  achieve- 
ments of  Wedgwood, Mr.  Gladstone  said  : “His 
most  original  and  characteristic  merit  lay,  as  I 
have  said,  in  the  firmness  and  fulness  with  which 
he  perceived  the  true  law  of  what  we  may  call 
industrial  art,  or,  in  other  words,  of  the  appli- 
cation of  the  higher  art  to  industry;  the  law 
which  teaches  us  to  aim  first  at  giving  to  every 
object  the  greatest  possible  degree  of  fitness  and 
convenience  for  its  purpose,  and  next  of  making 
it  the  vehicle  of  tlie  highest  degree  of  beauty 
whicli,  compatibly  with  that  fitness  and  conven- 
ience, it  will  bear  ; which  does  not,  I need 
hardly  say,  substitute  the  secondary  for  the 
primary  end,  but  which  recognizes,  as  part  of 
the  business  of  production,  the  studies  to  har- 
monize the  two.  To  have  a strong  grasp  of  this 
principle,  and  to  work  it  out  to  its  results  in  the 
details  of  a vast  and  varied  manufacture,  is  a 
praise  high  enough  for  any  man,  at  any  time, 
and  in  any  place.  But  it  was  higher  and  more 
peculiar,  as  I think,  in  the  case  of  Wedgwood 
than  in  almost  any  other  case  it  could  be.  For 
that  truth  of  art,  which  he  saw  so  clearly,  and 
which  lies  at  the  root  of  excellence,  was  one  of 


320 


Josiah  Wedgtooocl- 


Avliich  England,  Ills  conntiy,  has  not  usually  had 
a perception  at  all  corresponding  in  strength 
and  fulness  with  her  other  rare  endowments. 
She  has  long  taken  a lead  among  the  nations  of 
Europe  for  the  cheapness  of  her  manufactures  ; 
not  so  for  their  beauty.  And  if  the  day  shall 
ever  come  when  she  shall  be  as  eminent  in  true 
taste  as  she  now  is  in  economy  of  production, 
my  belief  is  that  that  result  will  probably  be 
due  to  no  other  single  man  in  so  great  a degree 
as  to  Wedgwood.”  > 

There  are  some  critics  who  aver  that  the 
manufacturers  of  modern  Staffordshire  pottery 
turn  out  better  plaques  and  better  vases  than 
Wedgwood  ever  made.  No  wonder  ! Wedg- 
wood turned  out  his  best  works  about  a hun- 
dred years  ago.  It  would  be  strange  if,  in  the 
course  of  the  century  which  succeeded  his  death, 
the  Staffordshire  potters  had  not  made  many 
excellent  improvements  in  the  manufacture  of 
earthenware  and  porcelain.  But  no  doubt  can 
be  entertained  that  he  was  the  precursor  of  all 
that  has  since  been  accomplished.  He  was  the  * 
man  who,  by  laborious  efforts  extending  over 
many  years,  introduced  Greek  and  Etruscan 
art  into  the  British  potteries.  He  completely 
revolutionized  the  character  of  the  fabrics  made 
in  England  up  to  the  period  of  his  decease. 
Though  his  productions  recall  Greek  art,  they 
are  not  mere  reproductions.  He  did  not  revive 
classical  forms  in  a servile  spirit  ; his  style  is 


Character  of  Wedgwood 


321 


strikingly  original.  And  because  other  manu- 
facturers may  have  excelled  him,  through  the 
course  of  years,  in  the  excellence  of  his  works, 
shall  we  deprive  him  of  the  honor  of  being  the 
pioneer  and  founder  of  the  artistic  productions 
of  Burslem  and  Etruria  ? 

It  was  truthfully  recorded  on  his  tombstone 
that  he  “ converted  a rude  and  inconsiderable 
manufacture  into  an  elegant  art  and  an  impor- 
tant part  of  national  commerce.”  When  Wedg- 
wood was  born  at  Burslem,  there  were  about  fifty 
potters,  of  whom  several  were  Wedgwoods, 
but  the  wares  they  made  were  all  of  a rude 
description.  Hanley,  now  of  considerable  im- 
portance, had  then  seven  small  potters.  The 
village  had  only  one  horse  and  one  mule.  There 
were  neither  cart  nor  carriage  of  any  descrip- 
tion in  the  place.  The  coals  were  carried  on 
men’s  or  women’s  backs.  There  were  only  two 
houses  at  Stoke, — Ward’s  and  Poulson’s, — but 
no  potteries. 

When  Wedgwood  had  fairly  established  him- 
self, and  obtained  a large  increase  of  trade,  he 
was  of  course  imitated  by  other  manufacturers, 
and  this  led  to  a still  larger  increase.  The  total 
annual  amount  of  the  whole  manufacture  of 
earthenware  in  the  Statfordshire  potteries  in 
1725  was  under  £15,000  in  value  ; whereas^&n 
1777,  about  fifty  years  later,  it  had  increased 
more  than  fivefold.  In  1785  there  were  200 
master  manufacturers  and  from  15,000  to 
14^ 


322 


Josiah  Weclgioood 


20.000  persons  employed  in  earning  bread  by 
tbeir  daily  work.  Of  course  at  the  same  time 
there  was  a large  proportionate  increase  in  the 
population  of  the  potteries  generally.* 

Wedgwood  was  a large-  and  public-spirited 
man.  Besides  attending  to  the  building  up  of 
his  own  special  trade,  he  did  all  that  he  could 
to  open  up  the  district  to  the  trade  of  the  world. 
He  exerted  himself  to  make  turnpikes  and  high- 
ways through  Staffordshire  ; and  when  the 
Grand  Trunk  Canal  was  projected,  he  devoted 
himself,  heart  and  soul,  to  its  success.  He  also 
developed  to  the  utmost  extent  the  commerce 
of  the  district,  and  took  the  lead,  with  the 
cordial  approval  of  his  neighbors,  in  all 
measures  for  the  spread  of  the  productions  of 
Staffordshire. 

He  made  a fortune,  but  he  used  his  wealth 
nobly.  He  supported  all  measures  connected 
witli  the  education  of  the  people.  As  early  as 
Ifeo,  when  he  was  in  comparatively  straitened 
means,  he  strongly  supported  the  proposal  to 
found  a school  in  Burslem,  and  subscribed  ten 
pounds  for  its  erection.  He  induced  his  eldest 
brother,  Thomas,  of  the  Overhouse,  and  his  dis- 
tant cousin,  Burslem  Wedgwood,  to  do  the  same. 
The  school  was  erected  on  the  piece  of  ground 
on  which  the  Maypole  formerly  stood.  It  was 

* According  to  the  census  of  1871  Hanley  contained 

40.000  inhabitants.  The  population  of  the  Staffordshire 
potteries  then  numbered  166,625. 


Character  of  Wedgioood 


323 


afterward  pulled  down,  and  the  town-hall  of 
Burslem  was  erected  on  the  site.  Another  more 
complete  school  was  substituted  for  the  former. 

To  his  own  workmen  he  was  the  kindest 
friend.  A free  library  and  sick  fund  were 
instituted  at  the  works  for  the  benefit  of  all. 
He  subscribed  liberally  for  every  good  work 
that  wanted  support  : for  Clarkson  and  the 
abolition  of  the  slave-trade,  for  the  help  of  the 
Polish  patriots,  for  the  relief  of  the  British 
residents  in  ximerica,  for  the  support  of  the 
emigrant  French  clergy  residing  in  this  country, 
and  for  most  philanthropic  and  benevolent 
societies. 

We  have  already  referred  to  his  annuities  to 
Leslie  (afterward  professor)  for  his  assistance 
in  the  education  of  his  sons,  and  to  the  delicate 
manner  in  which  he,  in  conjunction  witli  Boul- 
ton of  Birmingham,  assisted  the  great  Dr. 
Priestley  in  the  prosecution  of  his  chemical 
experiments.  But  he  assisted  all  who  needed 
help,  artists  as  well  as  others. 

“ I never  knew  an  instance  of  a man,” 
said  Dr.  Darwin,  “ raising  himself  to  such 
opulence  and  distinction  Avho  excited  so  little 
envy ; and  this  in  a great  measure  arose 
from  his  prudent  and  modest  acquisition  of 
riches,  and  also  from  the  circumstance  that 
he  was  free  from  the  failing  which  frequently 
attends  easily  acquired  riches,  of  neglecting 
his  poor  relations.  He  kindly  attended  to 


324  Josiah  Wedgioood 

liis,  and  was  of  essential  service  to  many  of 
them.” 

A man  may  be  known  to  a certain  extent  by 
his  chosen  friends,  and  Wedgwood’s  were,  for 
the  most  part,  men  of  distinction.  Perliaps  his 
dearest  friend  was  Erasmus  Darwin,  poet  and 
pliysician.  Darwin  knew^  Wedgwood  in  all 
conditions,  in  his  joys  and  his  sorrows.  He 
was  a great  admirer  of  Wedgwood’s  art  and 
supported  him  in  all  his  projects.  He  was  with 
Wedgwood  at  the  amputation  of  his  leg  and 
with  him  on  his  death-bed.  The  Darwins  and 
Wedgwoods  were  very  intimately  connected. 
The  greatest  of  the  Darwins,  tbe  late  Charles 
Darwin,  F.  R.  S.,  author  of  the  “ Origin  of 
Species,”  married  a Miss  Wedgwood,  and  the 
race  of  Darwins  is  not  extinct. 

Among  Wedgwood’s  other  eminent  friends 
were  James  Watt,  inventor  of  the  condensing 
steam-engine  ; Matthew  Boulton,  the  Birming- 
ham manufacturer ; Sir  Joseph  Banks,  presi- 
dent of  the  Royal  Society  ; Thomas  Day,  author 
of  “ Sandford  and  Merton”  ; Sir  William  Ham- 
ilton ; “Athenian”  Stuart;  Clarkson  and  Wil- 
berforce  ; and  many  artists  and  sculptors  referred 
to  in  the  previous  chapters. 

Wedgwood  received  many  honors.  He  was 
a Fellow  of  the  Royal  Society  in  consequence 
of  his  invention  of  the  pyrometer  and  his  many 
scientific  papers  contributed  to  the  society.  He 
was  a Fellow  of  the  Antiquarian  Society,  be- 


Character  of  Wedgwood 


325 


cause  of  his  knowledge  of  Greek  and  Etruscan 
art,  besides  being  member  of  a large  number  of 
fo  reign  societies. 

His  influence,  his  example,  and  his  works  at 
Burslem  and  Etruria  had  a wonderful  power  in 
improving  the  moral  and  intellectual  character 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  potteries.  We  have 
already  referred  to  the  first  visit  of  John  Wesley 
to  Burslem,  in  1760,  when  he  was  pelted  with 
mud.  He  visited  the  same  place  in  1781,  after 
Wedgwood  had  established  his  splendid  pottery 
works.  Wesley’s  words  were  these:  ‘‘I  re- 
turned to  Burslem.  How  is  the  whole  face  of 
the  country  improved  in  about  twenty  years  ! 
Inhabitants  have  continuously  flowed  in  from 
every  side.  Hence  the  wilderness  is  literally 
become  a fruitful  field.  Houses,  villages,  towns, 
have  sprung  up,  and  the  country  is  not  more 
improved  than  the  people.”  After  these  words 
of  John  Wesley  further  eulogy  is  unnecessaiy. 

Erom  the  time  when  he  first  turned  the  lum- 
bering potter’s  wheel  in  the  old  Churchyard 
Works  at  Burslem  to  the  time  when  he  lay  on 
his  death-bed  in  his  fine  mansion  at  Etruria  Hall 
Wedgwood’s  mind  had  ever  been  active,  ever 
thinking,  ever  working,  ever  seeking  out  fresh 
scientific  trntlis,  and  ever  busjdng  himself  in 
benefiting  his  fellow-men.  During  his  busy 
life  he  was  always  simple,  patient,  and  steadfast. 
His  personal  sufferings  may,  perhaps,  have  re- 
strained and  sweetened  his  moral  nature. 


326 


Josiah  Wedgioood 


The  dowry  of  suffering  pursued  him  tlirough 
life.  His  virulent  uttack  of  small-pox,  the  con- 
stant pain  in  his  knee  until  its  amputation,  the 
scoria3  in  his  eyes  which  threatened  blindness, 
rendered  his  life  a struggle  with  physical  ills, 
and  amounted  to  a long  dying. 

Yet  how  much  he  accomplished  for  the  benefit 
of  English  art  and  commerce,  as  well  as  for  the 
advantage  of  his  fellow-countrymen,  during  his 
comparatively  brief  career ! 

He  did  not  fear  death  ; he  regarded  it  as  the 
complement  of  life.  He  had  done  his  work, 
and  death  was  a release  from  the  pains  and  suf- 
ferings which  had  so  long  afllicted  his  existence. 


INDEX 


Ale-houses,  Burslem,  12 
America,  war  with,  176 
Ancient  British,  197 
Anson,  Lord,  106 
Artistic  works,  158 
Artists  employed  by  Wedgwood, 
115 

Astbnry  at  Bradwell,  17  ; his  im- 
provement of  pottery,  18;  intro- 
duces burned  flint,  19  ; Astbury 
and  Wedgwood,  20,  25 
Auckland,  Lord,  287,  302 
Austell,  St.,  Cornwall,  181 

Bacon,  sculptor,  116,  155 
Barbauld,  Mrs.,  65,  212 
Barberini  or  Portland  vase,  230, 
282,  296 
Basalts,  153 
Bell  Works,  46,  52 
Bentley,  friendship  with,  64 ; 
partner,  93  ; correspondence 
with,  115,  135,  138;  death  of, 
260-263 

Black  porcelain  introduced,  85 
Blunt,  Wedgwood’s  teacher,  5,  21 
Blindness,  Wedgwood’s,  134,  156 
Boardinan,  Liverpool,  64 
Bottgher,  the  “ Gold-Cook,”  182  ; 
maker  of  porcelain,  184 ; at 
Meissen,  185 

Boulton,  Matthew,  51,  57,  82,  141 
Brickhouse  Works,  46,  52 
Bridgewater,  Duke  of,  76,  103 
Brindley,  engineer,  19,  .50,  101  ; 
of  Grand  Trunk  Canal,  56,  73, 
102,  105,  109 ; death  of,  109 
Bristol  porcelain,  191 
British,  ancient,  197 
Burslem— Churchyard  Works,  1, 
8,  22  ; pottery  at,  2 ; education 
at,  4 ; poor  condition  of,  11  ; 
increase  of  population,  89 ; 
John  Wesley  at,  12,  97 
Busts,  favorite,  254 
Byerley,  agent  in  London,  222; 


with  young  Wedgwoods  at 
Paris,  298 : at  Geneva,  300 ; at 
Naples,  301  ; partner,  302 

Camelford,  Lord,  188,  199 
Canal,  Grand  Trunk,  56,  73,  102, 
105,  109 

Canova  and  Flaxman,  239 
Carriage,  expense  of,  55,  98 
Cathcart,  Lord,  87 
Champion,  Bristol,  191 
Chelsea,  works  at,  84,  114 
Chemistry,  Wedgwood  and,  111 
Chessmen,  Flaxman’s,  229,  231, 
248 

Chetwynd,  Lady  Deborah,  78 
Chimney-pieces,  Flaxman’s,  225, 
229,  255,  272 

Chiswick  Church,  Bentley’s  mon- 
ument in,  202 
Church,  Professor,  162 
Churchyard  Works,  Burslem,  1, 
8,  22 

Cookworthy  and  kaolin,  188 
Cornwall,  Wedgwood’s  journey 
into, 193 

Coward,  artist,  115,  165 
Crispe,  potter,  116 

Darwin,  Dr.,  126,  129,  280,  309  ; 
“Botanic  Garden,”  304;  at 
Wedgwood’s  death-bed,  314 
Delft-ware,  9,  15 
Deveare  at  Rome,  240 
Dorchester,  198 
Dover,  Lady,  167 
Drunkenness  of  workmen,  46 

Earthen  pipes,  Wedgwood’s, 
258 

Edinburgh  University,  sons  at, 
298 

Education  at  Burslem,  4 
Education,  Josiah  Wedgwood’s.  6 
Education  of  his  sons,  254,  260, 
297 


328 


Index 


Elers,  from  Delft,  15;  tlieir  diffi- 
culties at  Bradwell,  16  ; remove 
to  Chelsea,  17 

Engiiie-latlie  for  pottery,  58,  73 
Englelieart  and  Flaxman,  213 
Etruscan  vases,  160.  (^See  Vases) 
Etruria  founded,  92,  110 ; first 
fruits  of,  145 

Experiments,  Wedgwood’s  many, 
94,  137 

Family  of  Wedgwood,  205,  208, 
252 

Fame,  forebodings  of,  250 
Faujas  de  Saint  Fond  on  Wedg- 
wood’s ware,  159 
Fireplaces,  Wedgwood  on,  272 
Fire,  an  uncertain  element,  48,  80 
Fiaxman’s  history,  210  ; marriage 
to  Ann  Denham,  218  ; works  for 
Wedgwood,  217  ; ruined  for  an 
artist,  219 ; proceeds  in  sculp- 
ture, 219  ; his  numerous  works, 
221 ; Fiaxman’s  groups  of  chil- 
dren, 228;  paints  ceiling  at 
Etruria  Hall,  229  ; departs  for 
Home,  238  ; his  work  there,  241 ; 
still  works  for  Wedgwood,  248 
Flaxman,  William,  carver,  232 
Fothergill,  Miss,  166 
Franklin,  Benjamin,  280 

Gladstone,  W.  E.,  eloge  on 
Wedgwood,  51,  319 
Gower,  Lord,  80,  106,  141 
Grand  Trunk  Canal,  56,  73,  102, 
105 

Greek  works  copied,  85 
Green  earthenware,  35  ; glaze,  40, 
45 

Griffiths,  in  South  Carolina,  140  ; 

in  Cornwall,  193 
Growan,  in  Cornwall,  188,  200 

Hackwood,  modeller,  165,  281, 

note 

Hamilton,  Sir  W.,  141,  145,  159, 
255,  257  ; letter  from,  174,  223  ; 
on  the  Barberini  vase,  230,  285, 
288  ; on  Portland  vase,  293 
Hanley,  pottery  at,  2 ; poor  condi- 
tion of,  11  ; museum,  Josiah’s 
apprenticeship  deed  at,  22 
Harecastle  Tunnel,  105 
Harrison,  partnership  with,  33 
Hercules  and  Virtue,  235 
Highland  Kebellion,  25 
Home  Rule  in  Ireland,  276 
Hoppner,  artist,  280 
Hoskins,  artist,  116 


Ivy  House  and  works,  Burslem, 
43 

Jasper-dip,  164,  272 
Jasper-ware,  162,  217 
Journey  into  Cornwall,  193 

Kaolin,  181,  185,  188 
King  George  HI.,  77 
Knight  and  Flaxman,  221 

Landre,  Mrs.,  modeller,  123 
Lanes  near  Burslem,  13,  54 
Lathe  engine  for  pottery,  58,  73 
Leslie,  Sir  John,  6 
Lizard  Rock,  the,  203 
London  warehouses,  60,  83 
Lunar  Society,  310 

Maiden  Castle,  198 
Matthew  and  Flaxman,  211 
Medallions,  Wedgwood’s,  158 
Meredith,  Sir  W.,  74 
Money  scarce  with  Wedgwood, 
156 

Mortars,  for  druggists,  255 

Oates,  Miss,  73 
Old  age, 178,  309 

Pack-horses  at  Burslem,  3 
Palissy,  monument  to,  186 
Pingo,  modeller,  120 
Pitt,  Thurlow’s  burlesque  on,  61 
Pitt,  Lord  Camelford,  188,  199 
Plumier’s  “ L’Art  du  Tourneur,” 
73 

Plymouth  porcelain,  190 
Plymouth,  Wedgwood  at,  198 
Porcelain,  history  of,  181,  187 
Priestley  and  Wedgwood,  309 
Portraits,  execution  of,  158 
Pot-works,  country,  13 
Prices  of  Wedgwood  ware,  263, 
293 

Prints  on  pottery,  60 
Puzzle-jug,  9 
Pyrometer,  264 

Q,ueen’s  ware,  89 
Queen’s  visit  to  Wedgwood’s 
rooms,  250 

Rathbone’s  tribute  to  Wedg- 
wood, 249 

Reynolds,  Sir  J.,  279 
Rhodes,  enameller,  121, 165 
Ridgehouse  estate,  90 
Riots  in  cotton  districts,  288  ; at 
Etruria,  273 


Index 


329 


Eoads  and  highways,  11,  14,53; 

improvements,  73,  96,  98 
Eomney,  artist,  279 
Eussia,  empress’s  order,  87 

Sadler  employs  prints  for  pot- 
tery, 60 

Shaws  and  Wedgwoods,  7 
Show-rooms  in  London,  60,  84, 
141,  179 

Southwell,  Mrs,,  123 
Spode,  Josiah,  apprentice,  35 
Staffordshire  in  1778,  177 
Stouker,  the,  23 

Stringer,  Wedgwood’s  mother,  1 
Stringer,  artist,  120 

Table-services  for  the  king  and 
queen,  80,  81 
Tassie,  modeller,  118 
Taylor,  Birmingham,  53 
Tea-services,  45  ; for  queen,  78 
Teignham,  Lady,  167 
Templeton,  Lady,  279 
Thermometer,  264-271 
Thrower’s  occupation.  23 
Tolcher,  old,  teetotaller,  204 
Turner,  Dr.,  Liverpool,  63 
Turner,  Lane  End,  193 
Twyford,  idiot  at  Bradwell,  17 

Vases,  rage  for,  79,  86,  121,  124, 
145 

Voyez,  enamellcr,  119 

Wages  of  potters.  10,  30,  35 
Warehouse  in  Newport  Street, 
145  ; in  Greek  Street,  Soho,  179 
Watt,  James,  141  ; on  commerce, 
277 

Weaver  navigation,  77,  103 
Webber,  modeller,  279 
Wedgwood,  Thomas,  Josiah’s 
father,  1 : death  of,  5,  21  ; his 
will.  5 ; death  of  Josiah’s 
mother,  29 

Wedgwood  family,  the,  7 ; their 
origin,  7 ; Burslem  Wedgwood, 
8 ; the  Doctors  Wedgwood,  10 
Wedgwood,  Josiah,  birth  and 
education,  1 ; youngest  of  thir- 
teen children,  2 ; taste  for 
modelling,  21  ; apprentice  as 
thrower,  22 ; effects  improve- 
ment in  moulded  ware,  23  ; at- 
tacked by  small-pox,  24  ; left 
severe  pain  in  knee,  27  ; sent  to 
the  moulder’s  board,  28 ; his 
first  teapot,  29  ; manufacture  of 
ornamental  wares,  29 ; begins 


making  experiments,  29;  brother 
refuses  to  take  him  as  partner, 
33  : partnerships  with  Harrison 
and  Whieldon,  33,  34  ; Wedg- 
wood’s experiments,  37-41  ; bei- 
gins  business, 42  ; cultivation  of 
mind,  43  ; extends  his  premises, 
45;  ditticulties  with  workmen, 
44,  46,  80  ; firing  kilns,  45 ; re- 
fiections  at  night,  48  ; improves 
the  roads,  54  ; cost  of  transport, 
55  ; invents  the  engine-lathe  for 
pottery,  58  ; made  potter  to  the 
queen,  59,  80 ; burlesque  on 

Pitt,  58  ; accident  to  his  right 
knee,  62  ; makes  acquaintance 
with  Bentley,  64  ; friends  at 
Liverpool,  64  ; correspondence 
with  Bentley,  66  ; Wedgwood’s 
marriage,  68;  merits  of  his 
wife,  68,  71,  74,  128,  134,  151, 
166,  317  ; trade  of  Wedgwood, 
75 ; patronized  by  king  and 
queen,  77;  rage  for  vases,  79. 
86  ; service  for  Empress  of 
Russia,  87 ; buys  Ridgehouse 
estate,  afterward  Etruria,  90  ; 
Etruria  established,  91  ; partner- 
ship with  Bentley,  93  ; continu- 
ous experiments,  94 ; Grand 
Trunk  Canal,  102  ; first  sod  cut, 
106  ; appointed  treasurer,  106  ; 
new  earthenware  introduced,  112; 
artists  employed  by  Wedgwood, 
115  ; starts  a school  of  art,  122; 
amputation  of  leg,  128;  his  many 
wooden  legs,  132 ; attacks  of 
blindness,  134,  156  ; first  fruits 
of  Etruria,  144  ; want  of  money, 
152 ; opponent  of  slave-trade, 
154;  executes  portraits,  medal- 
lions, and  plaques,  158  ; opposes 
renewal  of  Cookworthy’s  patent, 
191  ; journey  into  Cornwall, 
193  ; thermometers,  194  ; elected 
Fellow  of  the  Royal  Society,  195; 
experiments  on  flint  glass,  195  ; 
a geologist,  193  ; his  Common- 
place Book,  191-195  ; theancient 
British,  197;  Mount  Edgecumbe, 
198 ; Land’s  End,  202 ; pur- 
chases an  estate  with  growan 
stone,  203;  journeys  homeward, 
191  ; his  family,  208 ; Wedg- 
wood and  Plaxman,  210 ; sons 
of  Wedgwood  his  pupils,  224; 
his  letters,  257;  death  of  Bent, 
ley,  260-03  ; member  of  Royaj 
Society,  268 ; a pamphleteer 
274 ; Chamber  of  Commerce, 


330 


Index 


276;  Portland  vase,  282;  Wedg- 
wood’s imitation,  286;  difficul- 
ties in  coi)ying  Portland  vase, 
286-294;  journey  to  Meissen, 
•;  295  ; Portland  Vase  broken  by 
a lunatic,  296  ; son  with  Byer- 
ley  in  Paris,  298 ; Byerley  a 
partner,  302;  Wedgwood’s  many 
accomplishments,  305  ; assist- 
ants in  Italy,  306  ; life  coming 
to  an  end,  307  ; Wedgwood  and 
Priestley,  309;  declining  health, 
310;  his  generosity,  311;  offers 
£1000  to  national  gallery  of 
sculpture,  312;  death  from  gan- 


grene, 314 ; Wedgwood's  char- 
acter, 315-326 

Wesle3%  Charles,  at  Walsall,  96 
Wesley,  John,  at  Burslem,  12,  97 
Westmacott,  sculptor,  279 
Whieldon,  partnership  with,  34 
Wilcox  and  wife,  121-123 
Willet,  death  of  Mr.,  177 
Wolverhampton  Canal,  105 
Workmen,  difficulties  with,  41, 
46,  80 

Wright  of  Derby,  artist,  121,  280 
Wyatt,  sculptor,  279 

Young,  Arthur,  on  roads,  97 


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